PARIS: A severe heatwave sweeping across Western Europe continued to cause widespread disruption on Wednesday, claiming lives, straining infrastructure and forcing authorities to implement emergency measures as temperatures reached record-breaking levels.
Meteorologists warned that the extreme weather, known as the “Omega” heatwave, could persist through the end of the week, prolonging dangerous conditions across several countries.
The United Kingdom recorded its hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 35.8 degrees Celsius in southern England as a powerful heat dome settled over much of Western Europe.
France also experienced unprecedented heat, registering its highest temperature since records began nearly 80 years ago. Temperatures climbed to 44.3 degrees Celsius in the southwestern town of Pissos on Tuesday, while Paris recorded a June record of 40.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
In Italy, the health ministry placed 16 cities, including Florence, Milan, Rome, Turin and Verona, under its highest-level heat alert. Officials warned that temperatures could rise further, with the heatwave expected to peak between Sunday and Monday.
French authorities reported that at least 48 people had drowned while attempting to cool off since the heatwave began. Two young children also died after being exposed to extreme heat inside a vehicle.
Spain reported two heat-related deaths among elderly residents following several days of temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. However, weather conditions there began to improve on Wednesday after what the national weather agency described as the hottest late-June period on record.
The intense heat has also taken a significant toll on agriculture and wildlife. Agricultural organisations in France said hundreds of thousands of birds died at poultry farms in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire due to the scorching temperatures.
The heatwave additionally affected energy production in France. Nuclear power plants, which generate the majority of the country’s electricity, reduced output by approximately seven per cent of total demand because elevated water temperatures limited access to sufficient cooling water.
Authorities across the region continue to urge residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, remain hydrated and take precautions as the extreme weather persists.
