European Heat Wave Hits 40 Degrees, 40 Dead

Europe is being hit by an early summer heat wave that is extreme. In many areas of southern and western Europe, temperatures have reached 40 degrees Celsius. The impact does not stop at the hot weather. Schools are closed, transportation is disrupted, tourist attractions adjust opening hours, and the energy system is under pressure.

Citing a Gulf News report Wednesday, June 24, authorities in a number of countries have issued health warnings. Residents are asked to limit outdoor activities and protect vulnerable groups, especially children, the elderly, and people with health problems.

France is one of the most affected countries. Meteo France recorded the highest national temperature indicator in history on Tuesday. This indicator refers to the average temperature of 30 weather stations. The figure reached 29.8 degrees Celsius, surpassing the record of 29.4 degrees Celsius during the big heat wave in 2003 and 2019.

A total of 54 departments, or about half of France, are on red alert for heat waves. Some areas recorded daytime temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

In the past week, 40 people have reportedly drowned in France. Local officials have linked the case to residents' attempts to cool off in unsafe waters.

Paris was also affected. The Eiffel Tower was closed early because the temperature was too high. The Louvre Museum also cut opening hours two hours earlier than usual from Wednesday to Saturday.

The Louvre warned that its historic buildings were increasingly vulnerable to heat. Conditions inside the museum worsened due to the large number of visitors and the outside temperature continued to rise. Other attractions, including Mont Saint Michel, asked visitors to postpone their trip during the red alert.

Schools are also affected. In France, about 1,800 schools were closed. Many other schools reduced class hours to reduce health risks. Transportation networks, public activities, and workplaces were also disrupted. France is also facing challenges because air conditioning infrastructure in many places is still limited.

This heat wave is not only hitting France. In the UK, a number of schools were closed or reduced their activities. Train services were cut off amid extreme heat warnings.

Spain issued a red alert. Temperatures in parts of Andalusia are expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius. Italy also set a red alert in 15 to 16 cities, including Rome and Milan.

Poland, Croatia, and Hungary are under high-level heat warnings as temperatures rise in Central and Eastern Europe.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns that extreme heat can quickly turn into a life-threatening threat. Vulnerable groups are urged to be protected immediately.

The same report said climate scientists see these heat waves as part of a broader trend. Europe has warmed twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s.

The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported 2024 as the hottest year ever recorded globally. Extreme heat events are also becoming more frequent, stronger, and widespread.

Experts warn that heat waves like this have the potential to last longer, be stronger, and become more dangerous as climate change accelerates.

The energy sector is also affected. In France, one nuclear reactor was temporarily shut down after river water used for cooling exceeded safe temperature limits.

Weather forecasts have shown no sign of easing in the near future. Meteorologists warn that extreme temperatures could continue throughout the week. Europe is now facing a double pressure, from public health risks to disruptions in basic infrastructure.