Record-Breaking Heat Scorches Europe
A relentless heatwave swept across Europe on Saturday, shattering temperature records from Scandinavia to the Alps. Preliminary all-time highs were recorded in Germany, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, with the mercury soaring above 40°C (104°F) in several areas. The extreme weather has been linked to dozens of deaths and has disrupted daily life across the continent.
Germany Sets New National Record
Germany's Meteorological Service reported a new preliminary national record of 41.5°C in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, surpassing the previous day's record of 41.3°C near Saarbruecken. In Berlin, temperatures reached 39°C, prompting police to deploy water cannons to spray cooling mist on residents. Katrin Goering-Eckardt, a German federal lawmaker and former Green Party leader, stated on X, "This heat isn't pleasant summer weather. It's a health crisis."
Denmark and Czech Republic Also Hit Milestones
The Danish Meteorological Institute recorded a 37°C reading north of Aarhus, the highest since measurements began in 1874. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute reported preliminary readings of 40.8°C north of Prague, also a new record. Bratislava experienced its hottest night on record on Friday, according to authorities.
Switzerland and France See June Records
Switzerland recorded a new June temperature high, while earlier in the week, France and Britain also set new records. In France, temperatures above 40°C disrupted rail travel and power generation, leading to alcohol bans, school closures, and the postponement of outdoor events.
Climate Change Blamed for Extreme Weather
Scientists emphasized that the heatwave would have been virtually impossible without human-induced climate change. They noted that night-time temperatures this week are 100 times more likely than they would have been two decades ago. The heatwave has highlighted the growing health risks associated with global warming, as vulnerable populations face increased danger from extreme heat.
