Extreme heat took hold across much of Europe on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, prompting health alerts, disruption to transport and concerns about the impact on wildlife and public safety.The increase in heat coincides with the summer solstice on June 21 and increases the likelihood of more extreme weather conditions occurring sooner and longer across the continent.Authorities in Italy issued a red alert for eight cities including Bologna, Florence, Milan and Turin after temperatures remained above 35°C for several days.In Rome, as Pope Leo XIV led traditional Sunday prayers, pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square under canopies and canopies.Meteorologists attributed the rising temperatures to hot air moving north from the Sahara, driven by a powerful high pressure system known as the “African anticyclone.”The system has created a “heat dome”, trapping warm air over western and central Europe and causing a persistent rise in temperatures.
Rising temperatures affect travel, infrastructure
The extreme heat has begun to affect transport networks, especially in France.Speaking at Paris’ Gare Montparnasse station, SNCF chief Jean Castex said the rail network was being “greatly affected” by temperatures that could damage overhead power lines and expand railway tracks.According to Reuters, 71 intercity trains were canceled on major routes by Monday, while thousands of railway workers were deployed to monitor infrastructure and carry out emergency repairs.France is one of the countries most affected by the heatwave. About one-third of the country was under red alert on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Authorities also introduced cooling measures at tourist sites, while 845 schools were ordered closed on Monday due to the heat.Spain’s AEMET weather agency has issued red and orange warnings in several areas, warning that temperatures could exceed 39°C to 40°C across much of the Iberian Peninsula and Majorca.The heat wave is expected to continue through at least the middle of the week.
Wildlife is under pressure due to increasing heat
Prolonged heat is also affecting wildlife.A rescue center near the Belgian city of Namur said it had found about 150 animals distressed by the heat in recent days, with young birds particularly vulnerable.“The chicks prefer to jump rather than let themselves die and literally be cooked in their nests,” Romain de Jaeghere, founder of Creves, told Reuters.Temperatures in Germany have already climbed to 38°C.While heat warnings remain in place, severe thunderstorms and heavy rain have also disrupted outdoor events in Berlin, including the Berlin Open tennis tournament and the Fete de la Musique festival.
Climate concerns grow
Experts have warned that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.More than 200,000 people have died from heat-related causes across Europe in the past four years, according to news agency AP, many of which could have been preventable.The World Health Organization’s Europe office has warned that above-average temperatures are expected again this summer.European governments have stepped up emergency preparedness measures, including wildfire monitoring, public health advice and protecting infrastructure, as forecasters predict the heat wave could last for several days.