Severe temperatures near 40C as African anticyclone triggers travel disruption and red alerts
Giselda Vagnoni, Lewis Macdonald And Dominique Vidalon
Rome/Madrid/Paris: A severe heatwave gripped much of Europe on Sunday; Temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius have prompted nationwide warnings, disruption to transport and signs of pressure on wildlife and tourist hotspots.
The temperature increase on June 21 (the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of typically the warmest three months of the year) raised concerns about an early and permanent onset of extreme conditions.
In France, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu banned alcohol consumption at annual Fete de la Musique festivals and other public events on Sunday (Paris time) in 35 regions where red heat wave alerts have been issued. Meanwhile, authorities in Paris have ordered parks to remain open at all hours of the day.
After temperatures rose above 35 degrees for several days, Italian authorities issued a red alert in eight cities, including Bologna, Florence, Milan and Turin. In Rome, the Pope led traditional Sunday prayers from the window of the Apostolic Palace, while pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square used umbrellas and parasols to protect themselves from the scorching sun.
The rise in temperatures is caused by a mass of warm air moving northwards from the Sahara, fueled by a powerful high-pressure system known as the “African anticyclone”.
Meteorologists say the system creates a structure called a “heat dome”, trapping warm air over Western and Central Europe and allowing temperatures to rise day by day.
Madrid residents and tourists drank cold drinks accompanied by fans while visiting the city’s famous El Rastro flea market.
“Because it’s so hot, I dress in all white and carry my little electric fan everywhere I go,” said Haily San Cesario, a 22-year-old engineer from Miami.
Spain’s AEMET weather agency issued red and orange alerts in many regions, warning that temperatures were exceeding 39 to 40C in much of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca, and noted that the heatwave would last until at least midweek.
Extreme heat started to deteriorate the infrastructure.
Speaking from Gare Montparnasse station in Paris, SNCF chief Jean Castex said the rail network was “strongly affected” by high temperatures that risk damaging overhead power lines and widening tracks.
He said 3,500 staff had been mobilized to monitor the network and a further 2,000 would carry out urgent repairs. He urged vulnerable travelers to postpone travel. The operator canceled 71 intercity trains on major routes until Monday.
In Germany, where temperatures have already reached 38C, the DWD weather service warned of severe storms in eastern parts, including Berlin, where heavy rain disrupted the outdoor Fete de la Musique festival.
Tennis fans waiting for the singles final at the Berlin Open between American Jessica Pegula and Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova had to be evacuated due to heavy rain and strong winds.
Wildlife rescue teams are also reporting increasing pressure. A center near the Belgian city of Namur said it had accepted approximately 150 animals exposed to heat stress in recent days, and young birds were especially at risk.
“The cubs would rather jump than let them cook and die in their nests,” said CREAVES founder Romain De Jaegere, adding that centers in Belgium were overwhelmed.
Experts say the conditions reflect a broader trend, with heatwaves in Europe becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
Reuters
Get notes directly from abroad reporters about things that make headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What’s on in the World Newsletter.
