Extreme temperatures have engulfed Eastern Europe, leaving millions sweltering under scorching heat as the region teeters on the brink of breaking all-time records. A staggering 191 million people across the continent faced temperatures of at least 35C on Sunday, prompting authorities to issue severe heat warnings in Germany, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary.
Poland is poised to shatter its record-breaking temperature of 40.2C, set in 1921, with forecasts suggesting it could be surpassed on Sunday. In a bid to mitigate the effects, the Polish government's security agency has sent urgent text messages advising residents to stay out of direct sunlight, hydrate regularly, and wear protective gear. Meanwhile, cities have deployed innovative measures such as water curtains to help people cool down.
Germany has also seen its night-time temperature records shattered, including an overnight minimum of 29.4C in Bautzen, eastern Saxony. In response to the sweltering conditions, Berlin police resorted to using water cannons on Saturday and are expected to do so again over the weekend. Deutsche Bahn has warned against non-essential travel, while temperatures above 39C have been recorded in south-west Slovakia, putting its all-time record of 40.3C at risk.
The devastating impact of the heatwave is starkly evident in Western Europe. France's national public health agency reported a worrying surge in deaths between June 24 and 27 compared to previous months, with approximately 1,000 additional fatalities among those over 65. In Spain, preliminary data suggests at least 327 heat-related deaths occurred between last Sunday and Thursday.
Looking across the Channel, the Met Office forecast paints a different picture for the UK. While England can expect sunshine interspersed with scattered showers, Scotland is bracing itself for more rain in western areas. Wales and Northern Ireland are also predicted to experience changeable weather patterns, with temperatures remaining relatively mild.