Europe is preparing for another spell of extreme heat, with more than half the continent expected to experience temperatures above 30°C and around 92 million people in France, Italy and Spain facing temperatures above 35°C on Wednesday.
The latest heat wave is intensifying concerns over wildfires, drought and the economic impact of prolonged hot weather across the region. Around 300 million people, more than half of Europe’s population, are expected to experience temperatures exceeding 30°C as the heat spreads across large parts of the continent.
The latest surge follows Europe’s warmest-ever June-July period, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). The service says temperatures in Europe are rising at roughly twice the rate recorded on other continents, highlighting the region’s growing exposure to extreme heat.
Germany Could See Temperatures Reach 39°C
Germany is preparing for its third major heat wave of the summer, with temperatures expected to rise sharply over the coming days. The German Weather Service forecast temperatures of up to 34°C on Wednesday, rising to 37°C on Thursday and potentially reaching 39°C on Friday across much of western and southern Germany.
The prolonged heat has already taken a toll on the country’s water resources. Water levels on the Rhine, one of Europe’s most important transport routes, have fallen to record lows in some areas.
The Rhine is a major shipping artery for transporting grain, minerals, fuel and other goods, meaning falling water levels are creating not only environmental concerns but also potential disruptions for businesses that depend on river transportation.
Drought conditions have already contributed to supply shortages for companies whose operations rely on goods normally transported along the waterway, adding an economic dimension to Europe’s worsening heat and drought.
France, Spain and Italy Face Temperatures Above 35°C
France, Spain and Italy are also preparing for temperatures exceeding 35°C, with the latest heat wave arriving only weeks after severe wildfires affected France and Spain.
In Spain, several wildfires remain active, while the national weather agency AEMET has warned of temperatures above 35°C in parts of the country.
Spanish authorities deployed more than 33,000 law enforcement personnel around eclipse observation areas and access points as millions of visitors travel across the country for the rare astronomical event.
Heat Wave Spreads Across Southeastern Europe and the UK
The extreme heat is also expected to extend into parts of southeastern Europe, including Greece, Albania and Croatia, while tens of millions of people in the United Kingdom are preparing for temperatures above 30°C.
The UK’s Met Office said on Tuesday that the country is on course to record its hottest-ever summer this year. The latest heat wave comes after several European countries, including Germany, France and Spain, recorded new temperature records this summer.
With drought conditions worsening, water resources under pressure and wildfire risks remaining elevated, the latest heat wave is adding to growing concerns about the increasingly severe effects of extreme weather across Europe.
