Heatwave Shatters Temperature Records Across Europe
Europe experienced another day of extreme heat on Saturday, with multiple temperature records broken across the continent.
Germany recorded a new all-time high temperature for the second consecutive day, reaching 41.5°C according to provisional data. This record was set in Möckern-Drewitz, located in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, as reported by Germany's Meteorological Service. It surpassed the previous record of 41.3°C, which had been established just one day earlier in Saarbrucken near the French border.
On the same day, Denmark and the Czech Republic also saw their highest-ever temperatures as the unprecedented early summer heatwave advanced further north and east, impacting a growing number of people.
An estimated 150 million people across Europe are currently experiencing temperatures exceeding 35°C. The World Meteorological Organization has issued warnings that the heatwave will have "major impacts" on both health and ecosystems.
The heatwave, which originated in the Iberian Peninsula, has been linked to hundreds of deaths over the past week.
Health Crisis and Public Response
German politician and former Green Party leader Katrin Goering-Eckardt described the situation on social media platform X, stating:
"This heat isn't pleasant summer weather. It's a health crisis."
In Berlin, police deployed two water cannons to spray mist on people seeking relief from the heat.
The water cannons provided much-needed respite for many residents in Berlin.
Record Temperatures in the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Switzerland
The Czech Republic recorded its highest temperature ever on Saturday, with a reading of 40.8°C at a weather station in Doksany, north of Prague, according to the national meteorological service (CHMI).
In Denmark, forecasters reported a provisional temperature of 37°C in Odum, near Aarhus. This surpassed the previous all-time record of 36.4°C set in 1976.
Switzerland also broke its record for the hottest June day for the third consecutive day on Saturday, with temperatures reaching 39°C in the northern city of Basel.
Causes of the Heatwave
BBC lead weather presenter Ben Rich explained the meteorological factors behind the heatwave:
"This exceptional heatwave has been caused by a slow-moving persistent area of high pressure, a so-called 'heat dome'."
"Underneath the high pressure system sinking air compressed and warmed, lifting temperatures day by day.
"The skies have remained largely cloud-free, allowing strong sunshine to heat things up even more."
Impact and Fatalities
Since the onset of the heatwave, drowning deaths in France have increased to at least 55, with approximately two-thirds occurring in unsupervised swimming areas.
Spain's MoMo monitoring system has recorded 327 deaths potentially linked to the heat between Sunday and Thursday.
Climate Change and Future Outlook
Europe is recognized as the world's fastest-warming continent, due to factors such as rapid Arctic warming and alterations in the jet stream pattern.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group state that a heatwave of this magnitude so early in the summer would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago. They assert that climate change is "unequivocally" responsible.
BBC weather forecaster Ben Rich predicts that the extreme heat will persist over the weekend into Monday, with temperatures above 40°C still possible in some locations. However, cooler conditions developing in western Europe are expected to move eastward later in the week, providing some relief.
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