Europe Faces Heatwave Peak: France on High Alert

Europe is currently enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring across the continent. In eastern Austria, the forecast predicts highs reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Significant heat warnings have been issued in many regions of Germany, while France is bracing for the peak of this heatwave on Tuesday. Authorities have declared the highest alert level, red, for 16 departments, including the populous capital, Paris. Other Mediterranean nations, such as Italy and Spain, are also experiencing extreme heat.

According to the German Weather Service (DWD), heat warnings in Germany extend west of a line running approximately from Bremen in northern Germany to Rosenheim in southern Bavaria. The western regions of the country and the Upper Rhine region are under warnings for 'extreme heat.'

France is feeling the brunt of these high temperatures, with 68 out of its 96 mainland departments under the second-highest alert level. Only areas along the English Channel and the Belgian border are currently experiencing cooler conditions.

The predicted temperatures in France are alarming, with forecasts indicating that nighttime lows will not dip below 20 degrees Celsius. Daytime highs are expected to range from 36 to 40 degrees, with some areas possibly reaching 41 degrees. The weather service has stated that this red alert corresponds to an extreme heatwave that is remarkable in its duration, intensity, and geographic scope, posing significant health risks to the entire population.

This is the first instance in five years that Paris has activated its highest heat alert level. In response to the extreme temperatures, transportation in the greater Paris area has been restricted. As of midnight, only vehicles with the lowest emissions are permitted to operate due to the substantial ozone pollution caused by the heat. Additionally, speed limits have been reduced by 20 kilometers per hour, as confirmed by local police.

Furthermore, the Eiffel Tower, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, will remain closed to visitors at its summit until Wednesday due to the heat. However, the first and second levels of the 330-meter-high structure will still be accessible. Tower management has urged visitors to take precautions against the sun and stay hydrated, providing drinking fountains along the queue.

In anticipation of the heatwave, the French Ministry of Education has estimated that approximately 1,350 schools may remain fully or partially closed. The summer vacation for French schools is set to begin this Saturday.

Other Mediterranean countries are also grappling with the heatwave. Spain reported a record high of 46 degrees Celsius in Huelva on Monday, while Portugal experienced even higher temperatures of 46.6 degrees in Mora. For Tuesday, a slight easing of conditions is expected in Portugal, with only eight regions remaining under the highest alert level, orange. However, temperatures in Castel Branco and Beja, as well as Evora, are expected to hit 40 degrees, while Lisbon will see a comparatively moderate 34 degrees.

Italy is not spared, as 18 cities, including Rome, Milan, Verona, and Palermo, are under the highest heat warning. Authorities in Croatia and Montenegro are also advising residents about the extreme temperatures. In Turkey, over 50,000 individuals have been evacuated due to forest and brush fires, particularly in the western province of Izmir. Greece is facing similar challenges with wildfires.