Europe under the “grip” of extreme heat! Record temperatures and fatalities

Europe’s Southern and Western regions continue to face an intense heatwave, as extreme temperatures break seasonal records and put authorities in several countries across the continent on alert. France is under an orange alert level, major Italian cities are under a red alert, while Spain and Portugal are recording temperatures approaching or exceeding historical limits.

Satellite data from the European Copernicus programme shows that the heatwave has covered a large part of the continent, with the highest temperatures concentrated in Western and Southern Europe.

In France, high temperatures have also caused infrastructure problems. In a suburb of Paris, tram tracks were deformed due to extreme heat, while in the capital the thermometer reached 34–35°C, accompanied by high humidity and suffocating conditions. In some regions, temperatures have reached up to 38°C, with parts of the country still affected by a so-called “heat dome” phenomenon.

Residents of Paris have been seeking ways to cool off in the Canal Saint-Martin despite the risks, while some incidents have required rescue team intervention. In some areas, citizens have opened fire hydrants to cope with the heat, raising concerns about water misuse. In Bordeaux, tourists and locals gathered at the famous “Miroir d’Eau” water mirror square in search of relief from the scorching temperatures.

The effects of the heat are also being felt in sports activities. Difficult weather conditions in Paris have tested athletes and spectators at the Roland Garros tournament, while high temperatures have raised concerns about the safety and health of participants. Meanwhile, French fire brigades have begun intensive preparations for wildfires, as authorities warn that continuing extreme heat could fuel large fire outbreaks.

The situation is even more severe in Portugal, where temperatures have approached 40°C, almost a month before the official start of summer. Authorities warn of increased risk to human life, while meteorologists speak of unprecedented deviations from seasonal averages. According to meteorologist Maria João Frada, current temperatures are 8 to 10°C higher than normal for this time of year, reflecting the unusual intensity of the phenomenon.

Spain is also facing an extraordinary heatwave. In many northern areas, temperatures have exceeded 37°C, while authorities report that dozens of people have died from heat-related causes.

Residents in affected areas describe unbearable conditions, with temperatures making it difficult even to sleep at night. In Italy, high temperatures have emptied the streets of major cities. Turin and other urban centres are experiencing difficult days, while authorities have declared a red alert in several areas from the north to the centre of the country.

Citizens have been urged to limit movement during the hottest hours of the day and take protective measures to avoid the effects of extreme heat. The heatwave sweeping across Europe is being seen as another sign of increasing extreme weather events. Authorities remain on high alert, while the risk of wildfires, infrastructure damage, and public health impacts remains high.

“KORÇA BOOM”