France is grappling with another day of intense heat, as a significant heatwave continues to grip Western Europe. Following Wednesday's unprecedented national average temperature of 30C – the highest since records began in 1947 – large swathes of the country remain under red heat alerts. Provisional maximum temperatures in western France ranged from 39C to 43C, with 43C recorded in the Poitou-Charentes-Val de Loire region, slightly below the 44.3C seen in Pissos the previous day. The extreme conditions have led to thousands of homes in western France experiencing power outages and prompted early closures for iconic Parisian landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
The extreme weather is not confined to France, with the heatwave now spreading across other parts of the continent. The UK experienced its hottest June day on record on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring to 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire. Forecasters suggest temperatures could reach 38C on Thursday. Spain has also endured baking conditions, with its weather agency reporting the highest daily average temperatures for June since 1950. Red alerts persist in parts of northern Spain, with potential highs of 42C in areas like the Basque country. Similarly, Italy has 16 red alerts in place, primarily across its northern and central regions.
The impact of the heatwave is profound, raising serious safety concerns. French authorities have reported at least 40 heat-related drownings since last Thursday, including a six-year-old child. The risk of forest fires has also escalated, with over 150 firefighters deployed to tackle a major blaze in the Breignon forest in Maine-et-Loire on Tuesday, which was brought under control overnight. Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou commented that France is "in the process of finding out we've become a hot country" and suggested societal adaptation may be necessary.
Beyond France, countries like Germany have also reported heat-related drownings, including a 26-year-old man in the Danube River. Authorities in German regions such as Brandenburg, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia are urging citizens to conserve water, while cities like Stuttgart have implemented barbecue bans. The Dutch weather service, KNMI, has issued a Code Orange alert for southern and central Netherlands, indicating a high chance of dangerous weather until at least Friday. Temperatures are expected to peak in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium towards the weekend, with the heatwave then extending into Eastern Europe, affecting countries including Poland, Croatia, and Hungary.
Scientists from the Copernicus climate service highlight that climate change is driving a global increase in temperatures, with Europe warming at twice the global average rate. This accelerated warming is contributing to more frequent and intense summer heatwaves, placing greater strain on Europe's water supplies and increasing the likelihood of severe wildfires. Some relief from the intense heat is anticipated in France from Friday, with temperatures expected to gradually decrease. The Met Office has issued a rare red heat alert for parts of the UK, advising extreme caution.
Practical safety advice from the Met Office for all UK regions (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) includes staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day (11 am to 3 pm), and keeping homes cool. It is also crucial to check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. When travelling, ensure vehicles have adequate ventilation and carry water. For those considering cooling off in open water, be aware of strong currents and hidden dangers, and only swim in designated, supervised areas. The current forecast for the UK predicts temperatures of 36-38C in parts of England, with moderate winds of 10-15 mph. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are expected to see highs between 25-30C, with similar wind speeds.
Source: Météo-France, Copernicus climate service, Met Office, Aemet, KNMI, Die Welt