Paris and Seville Experience Record-Breaking Temperatures
On Tuesday, July 1st, Paris and several other European countries faced an early and intense heatwave that forced school closures in France and the Netherlands, as well as the closure of the top floor of the Eiffel Tower.
Paris Under Red Alert
The French capital, under a red alert, grappled with scorching temperatures nearing 38°C. This is the city’s first red alert in five years, with residents like Raphael, a 27-year-old man from a Parisian suburb, noting the insufficient air conditioning in their homes.
School Closures Across Europe
More than 1,900 schools sent students home in France and the Netherlands due to extreme heat. In Germany, students enjoy “hitzefrei” (heat-free days), a century-old practice. However, an extreme heatwave is expected on Wednesday with temperatures reaching up to 40°C.
Record-Breaking Temperatures in Portugal
Portugal also experienced record-breaking temperatures, with Mora reaching 46.6°C on Sunday, according to the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
Spain’s Hottest June on Record
Spain had its hottest June ever recorded, with an average temperature of 23.6°C, surpassing the typical July and August averages, as reported by Spain’s state meteorological agency, Aemet.
Climate Change and Extreme Heat
Scientists have long warned about the impact of climate change on extreme weather events, including heatwaves and droughts. Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), stated that due to human-induced climate change, extreme heat is becoming more frequent and intense.
Comparison to Past Heatwaves
Samantha Burgess, a climatologist at the European Copernicus Observatory, noted that this heatwave’s severity is unusual for being so early in the summer season and exacerbated by climate change. She drew parallels to the 2003 and 2022 heatwaves, which caused approximately 70,000 and 61,000 premature deaths, mainly among the elderly.
Protective Measures and Tragedies
In response to the high temperatures, Barcelona implemented a protocol to distribute water to homeless individuals and send protective measures via text messages to thousands deemed “especially vulnerable.”
Tragically, a two-year-old child died in Valls, Tarragona, after being left in a car exposed to the sun for several hours. Police suspect parental negligence, stating that even an adult would have succumbed to the heat under such conditions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is causing the intense heatwave in Europe? Climate change, driven by human activities, is making extreme heat events more frequent and intense.
- Which countries are most affected by the heatwave? The heatwave has impacted multiple European countries, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, and Spain.
- What measures are being taken to protect vulnerable populations? Cities like Barcelona have implemented protocols to distribute water and send protective measures via text messages to those considered especially vulnerable.
- How have schools responded to the extreme heat? Over 1,900 schools in France and the Netherlands have sent students home early due to the heat, while Germany has implemented “hitzefrei” (heat-free days).
- What historical context do these heatwaves have? These recent heatwaves echo past extreme events, such as the 2003 and 2022 heatwaves, which resulted in numerous premature deaths.
