Europe is currently experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40C in several countries. This extreme weather event has prompted cities to take action to protect both residents and historic landmarks. The heatwave, which is the third day of a national heatwave in Spain has led to red alerts in various regions and cities across the continent.
The effects of climate change are being felt more acutely in Europe than in many other parts of the world. The Copernicus climate service reports that Europe is heating up twice as fast as the global average. This has resulted in increased summer heatwaves, greater pressure on water supplies, and more intense wildfires. Last year, more than 1 million hectares burned across Europe, with Spain being particularly affected.
Spain and Italy under red alert
In Spain the state weather service Aemet has recorded an increase in June heatwaves, with 10 occurring between 2000 and 2026, compared to just two in the previous 25 years. Red alerts have been issued in Andalusia in the south, and Cantabria and the Basque Country in the north. Meanwhile, in Italy a red heatwave alert has been declared in 15 cities, including RomeMilanFlorenceTurin and Venice. These alerts signal conditions that can pose health risks even to healthy adults.
France extends red alert as cities take action
In France the red alert has been extended to include several areas in the northwest. The president of the Île-de-France region, Valérie Pécresse has urged residents to avoid travel and work from home instead. She noted that the rail tracks cannot withstand temperatures above 50C leading to significant disruption in public transport. The Eiffel Tower has also announced early closures due to the high temperatures, with the last entry on Tuesday at 12:15. The Louvre the world’s most visited museum, has brought forward its closing time from Wednesday to Saturday to 16:00 local time. The Louvre stated that its historic building remains fragile, external and is not sufficiently adapted to climate change.
Heatwave impacts nuclear power and travel plans
The heatwave has also affected a nuclear power plant in southwest France. The Golfech plant had to be shut down on Monday night because water temperatures in the River Garonne were set to reach 28C on Tuesday. Under French laws, water used to cool the reactors must not exceed this temperature. Additionally, the Dutch weather service, the KNMI has issued a Code Orange weather alert for southern and central areas from Wednesday to Friday indicating a high chance of dangerous weather. In Belgium the Risk Management Group has activated the alert phase of the national ozone and heat plan for only the second time, raising awareness and calling for extra care for the elderly and children.
As the heatwave continues to impact Europe, cities are taking various measures to mitigate its effects. From early closures of iconic landmarks to shutdowns of nuclear power plants, the extreme temperatures are forcing communities to adapt. This event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its far-reaching consequences.
