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Europe on high alert as record heatwave grips continent with emergency measures
Europe braces for historic early-summer heatwave as France issues red alert warnings
Europe braces for historic heatwave as France issues first red alert of the year
Europe is bracing for a historic early-summer heatwave as temperatures across the continent surge toward record levels on Sunday, with France placing 60 departments on orange alert and meteorologists warning of possible red warnings in the coming days. The French national weather service Météo-France reported that maximum temperatures could reach 39°C on Saturday and climb to 41°C on Sunday in the southwest, Paris region, and Burgundy, prompting authorities to prepare contingency measures for a potential red alert in central and northern regions as the heat peaks early next week .
Across Germany, the national meteorological service DWD issued heat warnings for western and central states, where temperatures are expected to remain in the high-summer range while severe thunderstorms threaten to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds. In Berlin and Brandenburg, forecasters predict temperatures above 30°C with the possibility of violent storms producing gusts and torrential downpours . Meanwhile, the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg is already experiencing extreme conditions, with the town of Waghäusel recording some of the highest temperatures in the country during recent heat events .
In Central Europe, Slovakia and Slovenia are under similar pressure, with meteorologists warning that the persistent high-pressure system over Europe and a cold front approaching from Scandinavia will create a volatile mix of extreme heat during the day and intense thunderstorms in the evenings. “Despite high-pressure conditions, moisture inflow from northern Europe combined with daytime heating can trigger severe storms,” warned Slovenian meteorologist Urban Žagar .
The Netherlands and Belgium are also experiencing a dramatic shift from stormy weather to tropical heat, with RTL Netherlands reporting that the country is in the midst of its 40th national heatwave, retroactively confirmed from Wednesday onward. Temperatures are expected to climb above 30°C throughout the week, peaking at 37°C by Friday .
Health authorities across the region are urging the public to take precautions, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with circulatory conditions. German medical experts emphasized the need for hydration and reduced salt intake, noting that varicose vein symptoms worsen significantly in high temperatures . In France, public health officials have activated emergency response plans in anticipation of a prolonged heatwave, with authorities monitoring closely for signs of heatstroke and dehydration.
Climate scientists warn that such early-season heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent across Europe, with five of the continent’s most severe heatwaves occurring in the past 16 years. Germany’s Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research noted that the frequency of extreme heat events has risen sharply, a trend expected to continue as global temperatures climb .
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