Europe boils: Deadly heatwave claims 8 lives as temperatures break records
Wildfires and storms disrupted transport and energy sectors
Climate experts link heatwave to human-driven climate change
At least eight people have died as an extreme early-summer heatwave is affecting Europe. It prompted health alerts, forest fires, and infrastructure disruptions. Four people have died in Spain, two in France, and two in Italy as temperatures in many regions hit record highs.
In Spain, a wildfire in Catalonia claimed two lives on Tuesday, while additional heat-related deaths were reported in Extremadura and Cordoba. French officials said two people died from heat-related causes and about 300 others were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Meanwhile, Italy issued red alerts in 18 cities amid rising temperatures. In Sardinia, two men aged over 60 died in separate incidents while on the beach, likely due to the extreme heat, according to Italy's ANSA news agency.
Forecasts indicated that temperatures in Germany would reach as high as 40C (104F), making it the hottest day of the year thus far. Red heat alerts were still in effect for a number of the country's central regions, according to Meteo France.
France's Health and Families Minister Catherine Vautrin said, "In the coming days, we'll see the consequences, particularly on the most vulnerable, and I'm thinking particularly of the elderly." FIRES, SHUTDOWNS, AND STORM WARNINGS ACROSS EUROPE
In Spain's Catalonia, wildfires destroyed farms and scorched land across a 40-kilometre stretch before being contained. Meanwhile, in France, strong storms triggered mudslides in the Alps on Monday night, affecting train routes between Paris and Milan.
Several nations also experienced hazardous wildfires and infrastructure issues as the heat increased. On Wednesday, Turkey, which had earlier ordered the evacuation of almost 50,000 people because of fires, declared that the majority of the fires were now contained.
Before being contained, wildfires in Catalonia, Spain, scorched land for 40 kilometres and destroyed farms. Strong storms in France caused mudslides in the Alps on Monday night, disrupting train service between Paris and Milan.
Switzerland had to take precautions with its energy infrastructure. Axpo, a Swiss energy company, shut down one reactor at the Beznau nuclear power plant and cut output at another because the river water used for cooling had become too warm.
Italy, France, and Germany have all warned of possible severe storms, due to the excessive warming of unstable atmospheric conditions. HEATWAVES, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
According to climate experts, this year's heatwave has arrived earlier than usual, with sea temperatures and a "heat dome" over Europe causing regional temperatures to rise by 10C (50F) in some locations. They attribute these trends to climate change brought on by human activity.
"Extreme heat is testing our resilience and putting the health and lives of millions at risk," said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme. "Our new climate reality means we can no longer be surprised when temperatures reach record highs each year."
The heatwave is also affecting economies. A report by Allianz Research warned that Europe's economic growth may fall by 0.5 percentage points in 2025. The report compared one extremely hot day to the economic disruption caused by half a day of national strikes.
Spain recorded its hottest June ever this year, while France saw its warmest June since 2003, showing how Europe's summers are becoming increasingly extreme.
At least eight people have died as an extreme early-summer heatwave is affecting Europe. It prompted health alerts, forest fires, and infrastructure disruptions. Four people have died in Spain, two in France, and two in Italy as temperatures in many regions hit record highs.
In Spain, a wildfire in Catalonia claimed two lives on Tuesday, while additional heat-related deaths were reported in Extremadura and Cordoba. French officials said two people died from heat-related causes and about 300 others were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Meanwhile, Italy issued red alerts in 18 cities amid rising temperatures. In Sardinia, two men aged over 60 died in separate incidents while on the beach, likely due to the extreme heat, according to Italy's ANSA news agency.
Forecasts indicated that temperatures in Germany would reach as high as 40C (104F), making it the hottest day of the year thus far. Red heat alerts were still in effect for a number of the country's central regions, according to Meteo France.
France's Health and Families Minister Catherine Vautrin said, "In the coming days, we'll see the consequences, particularly on the most vulnerable, and I'm thinking particularly of the elderly." FIRES, SHUTDOWNS, AND STORM WARNINGS ACROSS EUROPE
In Spain's Catalonia, wildfires destroyed farms and scorched land across a 40-kilometre stretch before being contained. Meanwhile, in France, strong storms triggered mudslides in the Alps on Monday night, affecting train routes between Paris and Milan.
Several nations also experienced hazardous wildfires and infrastructure issues as the heat increased. On Wednesday, Turkey, which had earlier ordered the evacuation of almost 50,000 people because of fires, declared that the majority of the fires were now contained.
Before being contained, wildfires in Catalonia, Spain, scorched land for 40 kilometres and destroyed farms. Strong storms in France caused mudslides in the Alps on Monday night, disrupting train service between Paris and Milan.
Switzerland had to take precautions with its energy infrastructure. Axpo, a Swiss energy company, shut down one reactor at the Beznau nuclear power plant and cut output at another because the river water used for cooling had become too warm.
Italy, France, and Germany have all warned of possible severe storms, due to the excessive warming of unstable atmospheric conditions. HEATWAVES, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
According to climate experts, this year's heatwave has arrived earlier than usual, with sea temperatures and a "heat dome" over Europe causing regional temperatures to rise by 10C (50F) in some locations. They attribute these trends to climate change brought on by human activity.
"Extreme heat is testing our resilience and putting the health and lives of millions at risk," said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme. "Our new climate reality means we can no longer be surprised when temperatures reach record highs each year."
The heatwave is also affecting economies. A report by Allianz Research warned that Europe's economic growth may fall by 0.5 percentage points in 2025. The report compared one extremely hot day to the economic disruption caused by half a day of national strikes.
Spain recorded its hottest June ever this year, while France saw its warmest June since 2003, showing how Europe's summers are becoming increasingly extreme. Join our WhatsApp Channel
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India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Eight dead, nuclear reactor shut: Europe boils in blistering heatwave
Four people died in Spain, two in France, and two in Italy as an early summer heatwave continued to grip much of Europe on Wednesday, triggering health alerts and forest fires and forcing the closure of a nuclear reactor at a Swiss power officials said a wildfire in Catalonia had killed two people a day earlier, and authorities reported heatwave-linked deaths also in Extremadura and Cordoba. France's energy minister reported two deaths linked to the heat, with 300 others taken to issued red alerts for 18 cities, while in Germany, temperatures were forecast to peak at 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas, making it the hottest day of the year. Two men over the age of 60 died in separate incidents on the beach in Sardinia from the heat, ANSA news agency reported. Weather forecaster Meteo France said red alerts remained for several areas of central France. Young people jump into the Canal Saint-Martin on a sunny and warm summer day in Paris as an early summer heatwave hits France. (Photo: Reuters) The risks were greatest for vulnerable members of the population, and Catherine Vautrin, France's health and families minister, said authorities should remain the coming days, we'll see the consequences, particularly on the most vulnerable, and I'm thinking particularly of the elderly," she which battled blazes on several fronts forcing the temporary evacuation of about 50,000 people earlier in the week, said its fires were largely fire in the Catalonia region of Spain destroyed several farms and affected an area stretching about 40 km (25 miles) before being contained, officials AHEAD, REACTOR SHUTItaly, France and Germany warned of the risk of heavy storms due to excessive warming in unstable atmospheres. Violent storms in the French Alps late on Monday triggered mudslides, disrupting rail traffic between Paris and utility Axpo shut down one reactor unit at the Beznau nuclear power plant and halved output at another on Tuesday because of the high temperature of river is used for cooling and other purposes at nuclear power plants, and restrictions were expected to continue as temperatures are monitored. The extreme heat would likely impact the region's economic growth, which was expected to slow by half a percentage point in 2025, Allianz Research said in a report, likening the financial toll of one day with temperatures exceeding 32 C to half a day of say heatwaves arrived earlier this year, spiking temperatures by up to 10 C (50 F) in some regions as warming seas encouraged the formation of a heat dome over much of Europe, trapping hot air masses.'TESTING OUR RESILIENCE'Greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels are a cause of climate change, they say, with deforestation and industrial practices being other contributing factors. Last year was the planet's hottest on record."Extreme heat is testing our resilience and putting the health and lives of millions at risk," said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme."Our new climate reality means we can no longer be surprised when temperatures reach record highs each year."Allianz Research's warning of a dent in economic activity due to the heat rang true for some businesses. British baker Greggs (GRG.L), opens new tab warned on Wednesday its annual profit could dip below last year's levels as the unusually hot UK temperatures discourage customers from eating out. Italy issued red alerts for 18 cities, while in Germany, temperatures were forecast to peak at 40 degrees Celsius. (Photo: Reuters) advertisementIn Germany, people flocked to open air swimming pools and lakes to cool off, with many schools across the country fire brigade was tackling several forest fires in the eastern states of Brandenburg and upper floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris was shut to visitors on Tuesday, while the iconic Atomium in Brussels, an atom-like structure made of stainless steel, closed early on Wednesday as a precaution, its third early closure this experienced its hottest June on record this year, and France had its hottest June since 2003.- EndsTrending Reel
India Today
2 days ago
- India Today
Europe boils: Deadly heatwave claims 8 lives as temperatures break records
Several nations also experienced hazardous wildfires as the heat increased. (Photo: Reuters) At least eight died due to Europe's early-summer heatwave Wildfires and storms disrupted transport and energy sectors Climate experts link heatwave to human-driven climate change At least eight people have died as an extreme early-summer heatwave is affecting Europe. It prompted health alerts, forest fires, and infrastructure disruptions. Four people have died in Spain, two in France, and two in Italy as temperatures in many regions hit record highs. In Spain, a wildfire in Catalonia claimed two lives on Tuesday, while additional heat-related deaths were reported in Extremadura and Cordoba. French officials said two people died from heat-related causes and about 300 others were taken to hospitals for treatment. Meanwhile, Italy issued red alerts in 18 cities amid rising temperatures. In Sardinia, two men aged over 60 died in separate incidents while on the beach, likely due to the extreme heat, according to Italy's ANSA news agency. Forecasts indicated that temperatures in Germany would reach as high as 40C (104F), making it the hottest day of the year thus far. Red heat alerts were still in effect for a number of the country's central regions, according to Meteo France. France's Health and Families Minister Catherine Vautrin said, "In the coming days, we'll see the consequences, particularly on the most vulnerable, and I'm thinking particularly of the elderly." FIRES, SHUTDOWNS, AND STORM WARNINGS ACROSS EUROPE In Spain's Catalonia, wildfires destroyed farms and scorched land across a 40-kilometre stretch before being contained. Meanwhile, in France, strong storms triggered mudslides in the Alps on Monday night, affecting train routes between Paris and Milan. Several nations also experienced hazardous wildfires and infrastructure issues as the heat increased. On Wednesday, Turkey, which had earlier ordered the evacuation of almost 50,000 people because of fires, declared that the majority of the fires were now contained. Before being contained, wildfires in Catalonia, Spain, scorched land for 40 kilometres and destroyed farms. Strong storms in France caused mudslides in the Alps on Monday night, disrupting train service between Paris and Milan. Switzerland had to take precautions with its energy infrastructure. Axpo, a Swiss energy company, shut down one reactor at the Beznau nuclear power plant and cut output at another because the river water used for cooling had become too warm. Italy, France, and Germany have all warned of possible severe storms, due to the excessive warming of unstable atmospheric conditions. HEATWAVES, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND ECONOMIC IMPACT According to climate experts, this year's heatwave has arrived earlier than usual, with sea temperatures and a "heat dome" over Europe causing regional temperatures to rise by 10C (50F) in some locations. They attribute these trends to climate change brought on by human activity. "Extreme heat is testing our resilience and putting the health and lives of millions at risk," said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme. "Our new climate reality means we can no longer be surprised when temperatures reach record highs each year." The heatwave is also affecting economies. A report by Allianz Research warned that Europe's economic growth may fall by 0.5 percentage points in 2025. The report compared one extremely hot day to the economic disruption caused by half a day of national strikes. Spain recorded its hottest June ever this year, while France saw its warmest June since 2003, showing how Europe's summers are becoming increasingly extreme. At least eight people have died as an extreme early-summer heatwave is affecting Europe. It prompted health alerts, forest fires, and infrastructure disruptions. Four people have died in Spain, two in France, and two in Italy as temperatures in many regions hit record highs. In Spain, a wildfire in Catalonia claimed two lives on Tuesday, while additional heat-related deaths were reported in Extremadura and Cordoba. French officials said two people died from heat-related causes and about 300 others were taken to hospitals for treatment. Meanwhile, Italy issued red alerts in 18 cities amid rising temperatures. In Sardinia, two men aged over 60 died in separate incidents while on the beach, likely due to the extreme heat, according to Italy's ANSA news agency. Forecasts indicated that temperatures in Germany would reach as high as 40C (104F), making it the hottest day of the year thus far. Red heat alerts were still in effect for a number of the country's central regions, according to Meteo France. France's Health and Families Minister Catherine Vautrin said, "In the coming days, we'll see the consequences, particularly on the most vulnerable, and I'm thinking particularly of the elderly." FIRES, SHUTDOWNS, AND STORM WARNINGS ACROSS EUROPE In Spain's Catalonia, wildfires destroyed farms and scorched land across a 40-kilometre stretch before being contained. Meanwhile, in France, strong storms triggered mudslides in the Alps on Monday night, affecting train routes between Paris and Milan. Several nations also experienced hazardous wildfires and infrastructure issues as the heat increased. On Wednesday, Turkey, which had earlier ordered the evacuation of almost 50,000 people because of fires, declared that the majority of the fires were now contained. Before being contained, wildfires in Catalonia, Spain, scorched land for 40 kilometres and destroyed farms. Strong storms in France caused mudslides in the Alps on Monday night, disrupting train service between Paris and Milan. Switzerland had to take precautions with its energy infrastructure. Axpo, a Swiss energy company, shut down one reactor at the Beznau nuclear power plant and cut output at another because the river water used for cooling had become too warm. Italy, France, and Germany have all warned of possible severe storms, due to the excessive warming of unstable atmospheric conditions. HEATWAVES, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND ECONOMIC IMPACT According to climate experts, this year's heatwave has arrived earlier than usual, with sea temperatures and a "heat dome" over Europe causing regional temperatures to rise by 10C (50F) in some locations. They attribute these trends to climate change brought on by human activity. "Extreme heat is testing our resilience and putting the health and lives of millions at risk," said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme. "Our new climate reality means we can no longer be surprised when temperatures reach record highs each year." The heatwave is also affecting economies. A report by Allianz Research warned that Europe's economic growth may fall by 0.5 percentage points in 2025. The report compared one extremely hot day to the economic disruption caused by half a day of national strikes. Spain recorded its hottest June ever this year, while France saw its warmest June since 2003, showing how Europe's summers are becoming increasingly extreme. Join our WhatsApp Channel
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Soccer-England boss Wiegman says team well-prepared for sweltering Swiss heat
By Lori Ewing Soccer-England boss Wiegman says team well-prepared for sweltering Swiss heat ZURICH, - England manager Sarina Wiegman is confident her players will be well prepared for the Switzerland heatwave when they begin the defence of their Women's European Championship title against France on Saturday in Zurich. Wiegman was thankful for the recent warm weather in England that allowed them to get in some early heat acclimatisation. "Of course, we have protocols in place, strategies, which players who have been around longer are familiar with... because they played in circumstances like this," Wiegman said from the team's base camp on Wednesday. "I think we could already practise the first week of our training camp, because in England it was really hot too." England's heat protocols including wearing ice vests and towels, sitting in ice baths and drinking ice slushies. They also use cryotherapy, which involves applying extremely cold temperatures either locally with ice packs or cooling sprays, or in a cryotherapy chamber. " make sure we are hydrated. Of course, taking enough rest," Wiegman said. "Don't go in and out all the time. That's for your recovery. And do those things to keep your body temperature low." The temperature climbed to 33 degrees Celsius in Zurich on Wednesday but conditions are expected to cool down slightly before the weekend. Saturday's kickoff is at 9 p.m. local time . European soccer governing body UEFA is taking the warm weather seriously, with free sunscreen available around stadiums and fan zones and a relaxation of the rules about taking water bottles into the stadiums. The normally strict security rules were relaxed to allow fans attending matches on the first two days Wednesday and Thursday to bring a half-litre plastic or aluminium water bottle into the stadium, though no glass bottles will be allowed. Wiegman said after Saturday's game that the team would meet with England's medical staff to gauge how the players managed the conditions. "And then we move forward on to the next game," she said. England, who edged Germany 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to win Euro 2022, are in a tough group in Switzerland, with France, the Netherlands and Wales. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
