Europe heat wave continues with record temperatures and deaths
13 reported
A severe heat wave continues across Europe, with at least 212 deaths in Spain from Sunday to Wednesday possibly linked to the extreme temperatures, according to a monitoring system. Germany's weather service has warned of at least two more days of severe heat in parts of the country, while France's national weather service reported an all-time high average daily temperature two days in a row. France and Germany recorded numerous drownings over the weekend, and Spain broke its June heat record on Monday and Tuesday. Britain's Met Office issued a rare red warning for heat starting Wednesday. France's electricity utility EDF shut down two more nuclear reactors due to rising river temperatures, bringing the total to three reactors out of operation. Switzerland said it is reducing operations at its Beznau plant and would shut down reactors if the extreme heat continued. The United Nations climate chief stated that the heat wave has been driven by human use of fossil fuels and will be followed by more extreme events if this does not stop.
What’s reported
At least 212 deaths in Spain from Sunday to Wednesday were likely linked to the heat wave, according to a monitor.
Germany's weather service warned of at least two more days of severe heat in parts of the country.
France's national weather service reported an all-time high average daily temperature two days in a row.
France and Germany recorded numerous drownings over the weekend.
Spain broke its June heat record on Monday and Tuesday.
Britain's Met Office issued a rare red warning for heat starting Wednesday.
France's EDF shut down two more nuclear reactors due to river temperatures, totaling three reactors out of operation.
Switzerland reduced operations at its Beznau plant and said it would shut down reactors if extreme heat continued.
At least 101 million people in Europe will experience temperatures above 35 C on Thursday, according to an AFP analysis.
The temperature in Bad Bergzabern, Germany, equalled a heat record of 26.2 C overnight to Thursday.
Germany's rail operator Deutsche Bahn offered refunds for long-distance trips bought by June 23 until June 30 due to extreme heat.
Trade unions called on the EU to push for cooling breaks for workers without loss of pay.
The UN climate chief said the heat wave is driven by fossil fuel use and will worsen if emissions continue.
Key figures
Jens Winninghoff, DWD meteorologist
Esther Lynch, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
Simon Stiell, United Nations climate chief
Jim Skea, head of the UN's climate experts panel (IPCC)
Sources: dw.com
