Heatwave Intensifies Across Europe, Sparking Health Concerns
Paris is under a red alert as it grapples with scorching temperatures, leading to the closure of schools in France and the Netherlands, as well as the temporary shutdown of the top floor of the Eiffel Tower. From Portugal to Croatia, Greece, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, extreme heat warnings have been issued, with the United Nations labeling it as the “silent killer.”
Climate Change and Its Impact on Extreme Weather
Scientists have long warned about the effects of climate change on extreme weather events, including heatwaves and droughts. Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), stated, “As a result of human-induced climate change, extreme heat is becoming more frequent and intense. We must learn to live with this.”
Spain experienced its hottest June on record, with an average temperature of 23.6°C, surpassing the typical July and August averages. Portugal also broke a June temperature record, reaching 46.6°C in Mora, about 100 km east of Lisbon.
Paris and School Closures
More than 2,200 schools closed in France on Tuesday due to the extreme heat. In the Netherlands, Róterdam schools ended classes at noon due to forecasted temperatures of 38°C. Germany’s “hitzefrei” (heat-free) practice allows students to enjoy vacation days during extreme heat, with a peak expected on Wednesday at 40°C.
Samantha Burgess, a climatologist at the European Copernicus Observatory, noted, “This event is unusual due to its extreme nature and early timing in the summer season, undoubtedly worsened by climate change.”
Tragic Consequences of the Heatwave
A two-year-old child died in Spain after being left in a car for several hours in the scorching sun. In Barcelona, authorities distributed water to homeless individuals and sent protective measures via text messages to those deemed “especially vulnerable.”
Two bodies were found following a double fire in Lérida, confining around 14,000 people. The heatwave has also led to dangerous conditions, with residents in Seville struggling to cope, as demonstrated by the tradition of frying an egg on the street.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is causing the extreme heatwave in Europe? Climate change, driven by human activities, is making extreme weather events more frequent and intense.
- Which countries are affected by the heatwave? The heatwave has impacted Portugal, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, and Greece.
- What measures have been taken to address the heatwave’s impact? Authorities have distributed water, closed schools, and issued protective measures to vulnerable populations.
- What are the health risks associated with extreme heat? The elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses or death.
