Europe is sweltering under extreme heat, with temperatures in some regions climbing close to 40°C. According to Météo France, parts of the continent have recorded ‘remarkable, even unprecedented’ highs up to 12°C above historical averages.
In Croatia, Šibenik reached 39.5°C and Dubrovnik 38.9°C, while wildfires raged along the coast and across neighbouring Balkan countries. In Iraq, temperatures above 50°C triggered a nationwide power outage. Canada also saw dozens of new heat records, and even areas beyond the Arctic Circle experienced sustained heat above 30°C.
In Spain, the length and spread of the heatwave pose a greater challenge than record highs. Southwestern France recorded temperatures above 40°C at nearly half of its weather stations. Climate researcher Lauriane Batté from Météo France noted that over half of France’s 51 heatwaves since 1947 have occurred in the past 15 years, calling it a clear sign of a warming climate.
The heat has dried vegetation, fuelling wildfires scientists call a ‘Molotov cocktail’ of climate conditions. The EU’s fire monitoring experts warn of severe wildfire risks across much of southern Europe this week. More than 400,000 hectares have already burned in Europe this year, 87 per cent above the two-decade seasonal average.
Researchers estimate dangerous heat could cause between 8,000 and 80,000 additional deaths annually in Europe by the end of the century. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that wildfires and poor air quality further intensify the health risks of extreme heat.
Hungary is also under extreme heat alerts, with temperatures expected to exceed 35°C through the weekend. Authorities have issued the highest-level heat warning from Thursday to Sunday, urging the public to follow health and safety guidelines. The heatwave raises the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and wildfires, with a nationwide fire ban already in place.
Officials warn never to leave children, elderly people, or pets in closed vehicles, where temperatures can reach deadly levels within minutes. They also urge people to store food in insulated coolers when outdoors and to take extra precautions at festivals and sporting events.
Fire services have already responded to over 8,100 outdoor fires this year in Hungary, and carbon monoxide incidents have increased due to reduced chimney draft in the heat. Public safety agencies stress that awareness and prevention can save lives, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Real-time updates on alerts and extreme weather are available via the disaster management authority’s VÉSZ mobile app, which helps residents prepare and take action during hazardous conditions.
Related articles:
