Europe hit by extreme heat, France breaks temperature records and Spain issues red alert as energy costs rise and wildfire fears grow

A severe heatwave has swept across Europe in recent days.

On Tuesday, almost the entire territory of Spain was placed under alert for extreme temperatures, while the highest warning level was activated in some areas in the south and north.

The National Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a red alert for areas near Córdoba in the south, Bilbao in the north, and parts of the Cantabria region, signaling an “extreme danger.” In some parts of the Basque Country, near the border with France, the thermometer is expected to climb to 40 degrees Celsius, an unusual situation for that region.

At the same time, France recorded its hottest night since meteorological measurements began in 1947. According to the national weather agency, the national average nighttime temperature reached 21.6 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set in 2019.

The high temperatures are also affecting Europe’s energy markets. The widespread use of air conditioning has significantly increased electricity demand, while lower wind speeds have limited production from renewable sources.

The situation has been further aggravated by the temporary shutdown of a major nuclear power plant in France as a result of high temperatures that have restricted the supply of cooling water for the reactors. EDF said the plant is expected to return to operation next week.

As a result, energy prices have climbed to multi-year highs. In Germany, Europe’s largest energy market, the wholesale price is expected to reach 545.51 euros per megawatt-hour, the highest level since June 2024. In France, it is expected to rise to 268.67 euros per megawatt-hour, while in the United Kingdom it is nearing 230 pounds per megawatt-hour.

The heatwave is now moving toward Eastern Europe. In Poland, temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 38 degrees Celsius in Warsaw and 41 degrees in the Lower Silesia region, putting historic temperature records at risk.

Polish authorities have advised citizens to limit time spent outdoors, drink as much water as possible, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Meanwhile, fire services in the United Kingdom have warned of an increased risk of wildfires and have urged people to avoid controlled burns, barbecues, and other activities that could spark flames in the hot and dry weather conditions.

Climate experts stress that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible. According to British environmental organizations, extreme temperatures are putting pressure on the healthcare system, public transport, and citizens’ daily lives, making urgent adaptation measures all the more necessary.

In London, severe storms that followed the high temperatures brought flash flooding and major disruptions to the public transport network. The London Fire Brigade reported hundreds of emergency calls overnight, while authorities urged residents to avoid flood-affected areas.