European Heatwave Continues to Rage, Temperatures in Many Areas Exceed 40°C

(Germany, 28th) From the Scandinavian Peninsula to the Alps, various parts of Europe are enduring scorching heat, with temperatures in some regions soaring above 40°C and breaking multiple records.

According to Reuters, Germany, Denmark, and the Czech Republic set all-time high temperature records on Saturday (June 27), while Switzerland also set a new June temperature record. Earlier this week, France and the UK also broke similar records.

The German Weather Service reported that in Merken-Druchwitz in eastern Saxony-Anhalt, a preliminary national record high temperature of 41.5°C was recorded, surpassing the previous day's record of 41.3°C, which was set near Saarbrücken on the French-German border.

German authorities issued an extreme heat warning nationwide on Saturday. Berlin police even deployed two water cannon vehicles to spray water for cooling throughout the city.

Meanwhile, Denmark's Meteorological Institute reported that 37°C was measured north of Aarhus—a record high since measurements began in 1874.

As the heatwave moves eastward, almost all parts of Poland experienced temperatures well above 30°C. The rise in the Danube's water level caused Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant to reduce output from one reactor. Previously, Switzerland's Beznau nuclear power plant also temporarily shut down a reactor because the river Aare's water had become too warm.

In France, dozens have died due to the heatwave, including both elderly people and children. French authorities stated that since June 18th, 74 people have drowned, most in “unauthorized, unsupervised waters.” Many victims were between the ages of 15 and 25.

The current heatwave in France is slowly moving east, with the eastern regions experiencing widespread extreme high temperatures on Saturday. The town of Wassoncourt recorded a temperature of 43.2°C; Metz reached 40.5°C, and local media reported that this broke the record held by the Metz weather station since 1929.

French meteorological authorities predict that this heatwave will slowly move out of France in the coming days, but 24 departments—including all in the Paris region—will continue to face red heat alerts, while another 41 departments remain on orange heat alert.

Temperatures exceeding 40°C have also disrupted railway transportation and power generation, leading to bans on alcohol, suspension of classes, and postponed outdoor activities. The French government said that as the heatwave slowed the start of summer sales, this year's summer sales period will be extended.

The Italian Ministry of Health issued two-day red heat warnings for 18 cities including Milan, Rome, Turin, Venice, Genoa, Florence, and Bologna.

Even at night in the Alps, the sweltering heat failed to subside. Meteorologist Peterlin in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy, said that local temperatures never dropped below 25.4°C, setting a new historical record for June. Ecologists are increasingly concerned about the fate of Europe's glaciers.