Heat Alert: Intense Heatwaves All Over Europe is Starting to Create Health Problems

A heatwave will sweep throughout Europe from south to north. Temperatures in parts of France and Germany are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius this week, with highs in Iberia reaching 47 degrees Celsius.

(Photo : Kiran Ridley/Getty Images)

Heatwave in Europe

This week, Europe will once again experience extreme heatwave conditions, with the chance of reaching record-breaking temperatures.

Sweltering heat has already hit Iberia recently, with temperatures 4-5 degrees Celsius above normal, resulting in highs of 40 degrees Celsius (104F). The heat is expected to increase to roughly 7 degrees Celsius above average for the rest of the week, with maximum temperatures reaching 46-47 degrees Celsius in Seville, for example.

As a low pressure system forms to the west of Europe, Iberia's extreme heat will rush north across France, possibly reaching the UK by the weekend and sweeping eastwards through most of central Europe. By this weekend, peak temperatures are expected to approach 40 degrees Celsius in portions of France, Germany, and even the Low Countries. If the heat does make it to the UK, the all-time high of 38.7 degrees Celsius established in Cambridge in July 2019 might be beaten.

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Temperature Difference

Surprisingly, while the heat remains over Western Europe, temperatures in central and eastern Mediterranean sections will increase to roughly 10 degrees Celsius above average, surpassing 40 degrees across Italy and into the Balkans. By Monday of next week, temperatures in central, southern, and western Europe might be well above the seasonal norm, with widespread heatwave conditions.

There are frequently powerful balances in the atmosphere, and to counteract the heat throughout most of Europe later this week, Scandinavia and the northeast of Europe will be more unsettled, with temperatures several degrees below the seasonal mean, but this appears to be temporary.

Meanwhile, the Indian monsoon is dumping heavy rain throughout most of the country, with central districts bearing the worst of the floods. The Indian Meteorological Department has already issued red alerts, suggesting that more than 200mm (8in) of rain might fall in 24 hours. Forecast models indicate that more downpours and thunderstorms may increase floods in several areas, including Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, throughout the rest of the week.

Heatwaves

Heatwaves, or extended periods of hot weather, may substantially influence civilization, including an increase in heat-related mortality. Heatwaves are among the most deadly natural dangers, yet they seldom get enough attention since the death tolls and devastation are not usually evident. More than 166 000 people died from heatwaves between 1998 and 2017, including more than 70 000 in Europe during the 2003 heatwave.

Heatwaves may strain health and emergency services, as well as water, electricity, and transportation, resulting in power outages or blackouts. Food and livelihood security may also be jeopardized if people lose crops or livestock due to the excessive heat.

Health Risk

Extreme heat may be hazardous to one's health, even lethal. These occurrences lead to a rise in hospitalizations for heat-related diseases and cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Extreme heat can cause various heat stress illnesses, including heat stroke.

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