Spain and England have both recorded their hottest June temperatures in history, as Europe grapples with a relentless heatwave. Spain’s meteorological agency Aemet announced an extraordinary average temperature of 23.6°C (74.5°F) for the month, shattering previous records and even exceeding the usual averages for July and August. In England, the Met Office confirmed that June's mean temperature reached 16.9°C, marking the second-warmest June since records began in 1884.
Mainland Portugal set a shocking daily June temperature record, reaching 46.6°C. As the month drew to a close, parts of the Iberian Peninsula were soaring beyond 43°C. Despite the oppressive heat, a slight decrease in temperatures is anticipated soon, according to Aemet.
Nighttime temperatures climbed to a staggering 28°C in Seville and 27°C in Barcelona, while London registered 34.7°C in St James's Park, making it the hottest day of the year thus far. Notably, Heathrow Airport recorded 33.1°C, and Wimbledon experienced 32.9°C, marking one of the hottest tournament openings to date.
As wildfires ravage Turkey, tens of thousands have been evacuated. At least two fatalities have occurred in Italy due to heat-related causes, while hospital admissions rose by 20% in Tuscany. Major cities across France faced extreme heat, forcing a record number of school closures under a newly activated red alert.
France saw a record temperature of 37.6°C at Paris Orly airport, and the Eiffel Tower was closed as safety precautions began to take place nationwide. In Italy, regions like Lombardy issued advisories against outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Meanwhile, Greece faced temperatures nearing 40°C, exacerbating wildfire conditions near Athens.
With warning signs about potential record temperatures in Germany, the Rhine River's water levels have dropped due to the heatwave, impacting shipping abilities and increasing costs. The European heatwave also led to environmental concerns, as rising sea temperatures enable invasive species proliferation and further stress on vulnerable ecosystems.
Highlighting the broader implications of escalating heatwaves, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk emphasized the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies. He attributed the increasing frequency of heat events to climate change, advocating for a transition away from fossil fuel reliance to protect human rights to health, life, and a sustainable environment.
Experts warn that as greenhouse gas levels continue to rise, heatwaves will not only become more common but will also intensify, threatening communities across Europe and beyond.
