Paris: A severe "Omega Block" heatwave is currently sweeping across Europe, causing life-threatening temperatures in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. These countries are experiencing record-breaking June temperatures, marking an unprecedented heatwave event across Western Europe.
According to Thai News Agency, France recorded its hottest day in history on June 24th, with average temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius, breaking the previous record set in 1947. In Pissos, temperatures soared to 44.3 degrees Celsius, while Paris experienced a new June record of 40.9 degrees Celsius. The French authorities have declared the highest alert level for more than three-quarters of the country, covering 72 out of 96 districts. Tragically, at least 48 people have died from drowning incidents as individuals sought relief from the heat in rivers and canals, and a young child succumbed to the extreme conditions in a car. Major landmarks such as the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower in Paris have adjusted their operating hours, closing earlier than usual. Additionally, nuclear power generation has been reduced by approximately 7 percent due to increased river water temperatures affecting cooling processes.
The agricultural sector in France, particularly in Brittany and Pays de la Loire, has been hit hard by the extreme heat, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of farm poultry. To mitigate the risks of wildfires and protect workers, farmers have resorted to harvesting at night.
In the United Kingdom, the heatwave has also set new records for June temperatures. The Met Office confirmed that temperatures reached 36.1 degrees Celsius in Gosport and Wiggonholt, Hampshire, surpassing the previous record from 1976. High humidity levels have made the perceived temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius. As a result, thousands of schools have closed or adjusted their class schedules. The heat has also caused railway tracks to expand, resulting in speed restrictions and train service cancellations in London and Wales.
Spain is experiencing the highest average daily temperatures since 1950, with Andalusia recording scorching temperatures of 44 degrees Celsius. Several deaths from heatstroke have been reported in the region. Similarly, Italy has issued a red alert for 16 major cities, including Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna, and Florence, where temperatures range between 36 and 41 degrees Celsius. The Uffizi Galleries in Florence temporarily halted ticket sales due to a malfunction in its air conditioning system.
A hot air mass from Western Europe is now moving towards Eastern Europe, with countries like Poland, Croatia, and Hungary preparing for soaring temperatures. Experts from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) emphasize that Europe is warming at twice the global average rate, indicating that climate change is leading to more frequent and prolonged heatwaves in the future.