Britain, France, Switzerland and Germany have all experienced record heat in June, and the weather system could test more records as it rolls across Germany towards Poland.
On Friday, a new German record of 41.3 degrees was reached near the city of Saarbruecken close to the French border, Germany’s National Meteorological Service said, noting the reading was still preliminary.
The service issued extreme heat warnings for nearly all of Germany on Saturday as authorities urged people to save water.
In France, dozens of people, both young and old, have died during the heatwave. Temperatures above 40 degrees have disrupted rail travel and power generation, sparked alcohol bans, suspended schools and postponed outdoor events.
“The heatwave is going to peak at the weekend, well over 40 degrees in some parts of Germany,” said Karsten Brandt, a meteorologist at weather forecasting site Donnerwetter.de.
Struggling with the prospect of damage to infrastructure including buckling roads and swelling train tracks, some major public service providers have sought to reduce traffic.
The most extreme heat is forecast to begin fading at the weekend, with heavy thunderstorms expected on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Denmark recorded its highest temperature on record on Saturday, the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) said.
“With 36.6C north of Odense, we have the warmest day ever since measurements began in 1874,” DMI said in a post to X.
It added that “the day isn’t over yet…”
Across Europe, cultural landmarks have had to close, farming has suffered, and some hospitals have struggled to cope.
The heatwave has pushed temperatures up to 18 degrees above their seasonal average, according to a climate monitor, and is being driven by a phenomenon known as an Omega block.
This weather pattern traps a bulging ball of hot air over regions for extended periods, with cooler air on its fringes.
Demand for electric fans has shot up, and Asian air-conditioning makers have reported a European sales boom.
The present heatwave will begin shifting by the end of the month, hitting Central Europe and the Balkans, the World Meteorological Organization said. (Reuters/AFP)
