Extreme Heat Wave in Europe Leads to Record Temperatures and Increased Deaths

The recent extreme heat wave in Europe has led to soaring temperatures and a significant rise in deaths. In France, Public Health France reported around 1,000 additional fatalities last week. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe is heating at twice the global average.

Record Temperatures Across Europe

Germany reached a new high of 41.7 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in Neißemünde. The Czech Republic also faced its hottest day, recording 41.1 C (106.4 F). The World Weather Attribution study highlighted that this heat wave would have been improbable without climate change. It noted a 200-fold increase in likelihood compared to 20 years ago.

Impact on France

France reported a rise in daily deaths at private homes, especially in the Paris region. The agency noted over 1,200 deaths on Wednesday, rising to more than 1,400 on the next two days. Red heat warnings covered about three-quarters of France, affecting primarily those aged 65 and above.

Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average, warned WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Since June 21, over 1,300 excess deaths linked to high temperatures have been recorded in Europe. Tedros emphasized the need for preparedness and stronger health system responses in European countries.

Lightning in Sweden

Lightning struck at Tosselilla Sommarland park in Sweden, hospitalizing three adults. Across Denmark, severe thunderstorms resulted in 1,156 lightning strikes by Sunday.

Wildfires in Contaminated Areas in Germany

Eastern Germany’s Gohrischheide forest fire was complicated by WWII ammunition contamination. In southwest Germany, a forest fire required ordnance disposal units after explosions occurred. Berlin experienced 500 additional ambulance dispatches due to heat-related illnesses.

Cooling Methods and Infrastructure Damage in Berlin

Berlin police used water cannons to cool down crowds at Brandenburg Gate. The heat damaged infrastructure, with highways breaking up and train travel advisories issued by Deutsche Bahn. In Brandenburg, 600 train passengers were evacuated due to power loss on a Hamburg-Prague route.

No trams will operate in Leipzig until Monday due to track damage. The high temperatures caused joint sealant in switches to clump, affecting the transport network.