Scorching temperatures gripping much of Europe are causing serious consequences in several countries, while the responsible institutions continue to warn of a high risk to public health.
In France, authorities have confirmed three deaths linked to health problems caused by the extreme heat. Faced with this situation, the government has been forced to intervene with special measures, closing or changing operating hours for around 2,700 schools across the country.
Të lidhura
None found
In Bordeaux, forecasts show the temperature will exceed 42 degrees Celsius, while France’s meteorological service has issued a red alert in 49 administrative regions.
French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said the country will face exceptionally high temperatures for several more days.
“We are heading toward at least several days of very, very hot weather. We still do not know when temperatures will begin to fall,” she told French media.
In Paris, the heat has also changed the usual rhythm of urban life. On the banks of the Saint-Martin Canal on the Seine, hundreds of residents have gathered to find some relief, getting into the water or dipping their feet in it to ease the high temperatures. The scene looked more like a summer beach than part of the French capital.
The situation is also worrying in Spain. The state meteorological agency Aemet has declared a red alert for the Basque Country region, while in San Sebastian temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius, nearly double the seasonal average.
Meteorologists report that in many parts of Spain, temperatures are being recorded at 5 to 10 degrees above normal, while in some northern areas this difference exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.
Even nighttime hours are bringing no relief. In some regions of the country, temperatures are not falling below 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, making daily life noticeably more difficult for residents.
According to data from the Reuters Climate Monitor, Europe is currently the continent experiencing the greatest temperature deviation from the historical average. The average maximum temperature across the continent is around 24 degrees Celsius, or 4.1 degrees above the average for the 1961-1990 period.
However, the impact of this heatwave is not limited to people alone.
Wildlife reserves in Northern Europe are reporting an increase in cases of animals affected by extreme temperatures. In Belgium, biologist Romain de Jaeger, founder of the CREAVES wildlife reserve in Temple, said that many birds are abandoning their nests in order to survive.
He explained that temperatures beneath building roofs can reach 50 or even 60 degrees Celsius, forcing birds to leave their nests to avoid dying from the heat.
“The temperature under roofs can sometimes reach 50, even 60 degrees Celsius. They prefer to jump from their nests rather than die from the heat,” he said.
In the last three days alone, the wildlife shelter center in Belgium has taken in around 150 animals affected by the heatwave.
Experts warn that the extreme temperatures will continue in the coming days, keeping authorities and emergency services on alert across Europe.
