Europe is battling a record-breaking heatwave, with multiple countries issuing emergency alerts and enforcing closures.
In France, 84 of 96 mainland departments are under orange alert, the second-highest warning level.
Climate Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher called the situation “unprecedented.”
Nearly 200 schools in France have shut down or reduced hours due to dangerous heat.
The crisis is hitting far beyond France.
Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the UK, and Balkan nations are also under extreme heat warnings.
Emergency agencies are on high alert.
Citizens are urged to stay indoors during peak afternoon temperatures.
In Spain, El Granado reached 46°C on Saturday—its hottest June day ever.
Portugal followed on Sunday, recording 46.6°C in Mora.
Seven Portuguese districts remain under maximum red alert, including Lisbon.
Italy placed 21 cities under red alert, including Rome, Milan, and Venice.
Hospitals across Italy reported a 10% rise in heatstroke cases.
In Germany, forecasts predict temperatures up to 38°C this week.
The UK expects highs of 34°C, possibly setting a June record.
Sarajevo in Bosnia reached 38.8°C last Thursday, a national June record.
Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital, recorded 42°C on Friday.
Slovenia and Greece also reported record highs.
Near Athens, wildfires forced evacuations as temperatures neared 40°C.
Blazes have also hit Turkey’s Seferihisar district and Croatia’s coastline.
The heat is impacting economies and ecosystems as well.
Germany’s Rhine River has dropped, disrupting shipping and increasing freight costs.
Adriatic Sea temperatures are rising, spreading invasive species like lionfish.
Alpine glaciers continue shrinking under the extreme heat.
Experts blame human-caused climate change for the worsening crisis.
Dr. Richard Allan from the University of Reading said,
“The atmosphere is warmer and thirstier, drying soils faster and making heatwaves stronger.”
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk warned the heat threatens basic rights.
“Life, health, and a safe environment are all under threat,” he said.
The IPCC has warned of worse to come without urgent action.
This heatwave is a stark warning of what lies ahead in a warming world.
