New heatwave in Europe: it peaks today

Summer has got off to an extreme start for tens of millions of Europeans, with a new heatwave linked to climate change sweeping across the Old Continent, which is expected to intensify this weekend.

This is the second heatwave to hit Western Europe in less than a month, and alert levels are high in the UK, France, Switzerland, Germany and Spain. In France, in particular, the alarming situation has led to 60 departments across the country being placed on orange alert and threatens the hugely popular ‘Fête de la Musique’, scheduled for tomorrow to coincide with the summer solstice. The event celebrates live music by transforming squares, streets, parks and museums into open-air stages hosting free concerts of all genres.

Speaking on France 2, the Minister for Culture, Catherine Pégard, called for “extreme vigilance” in the face of the heatwave, leaving the decision on whether to go ahead with or cancel the event to the prefectures and local councils. This second heatwave in just a few weeks is proving to be “widespread, prolonged and intense”, warns Météo-France in its latest bulletin.

Tomorrow, temperatures are forecast to reach 41°C “in some areas” and the highest red alert level could be triggered. The agency also warns of a “significant deterioration in the late afternoon and evening from eastern Burgundy/Grand Est to the Aisne and Seine-et-Marne”, with 10 departments on alert for thunderstorms. According to Météo-France, this second heatwave could be “of the same duration and intensity as that of August 2003 and persist for most of next week”.

A new heatwave is also forecast for the UK from this weekend, with temperatures expected to peak on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Met Office. In Spain, the authorities have issued a warning for extreme heat, which is expected to affect much of the country, including the Balearic Islands, from tomorrow.