A severe heatwave is gripping much of Europe, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels and prompting official warnings in several countries. In Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) and the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) have issued heat warnings as temperatures are expected to reach up to 35°C in some areas, making it the hottest day of the year so far.The situation is even more extreme in southern Europe. Spain’s Andalusia region has experienced temperatures above 40°C, with the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) predicting temperatures could reach up to 44°C in some areas like Valencia. Italy’s health ministry has issued its highest heat warning for 11 major cities.The heatwave is causing significant concerns for public health, tourism, and the environment. Health authorities are advising people to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The tourism industry is worried about the impact of climate change on heatwaves, as it may lead to a decline in bookings for popular destinations.However, relief may be on the horizon for some regions. In Germany, a low-pressure system named ‘Tief Heike’ is expected to bring strong thunderstorms and heavy rain to parts of the country by Sunday. Meteorologist Dominik Jung predicts that this will lead to a ‘weather crash,’ with temperatures dropping to 20-25°C by Monday.Despite this temporary relief, experts warn that such extreme weather events may become more common due to climate change. The current heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the need for adaptation and awareness in the face of changing climate patterns.
Key points
- A severe heatwave is affecting much of Europe, with temperatures reaching up to 44°C in some areas.
- German authorities have issued official heat warnings as temperatures approach 35°C.
- A low-pressure system is expected to bring thunderstorms to Germany by Sunday, potentially providing relief from the heat.
- The heatwave is raising concerns about public health, tourism, and climate change impacts.
