Heat wave in Europe: Red alarm level, schools closed and evacuations!

Heat wave in Europe: Red alarm level, schools closed and evacuations!

Paris, Frankreich - A massive heat wave has broken out in Europe that hits numerous countries from Portugal to Türkiye. France is particularly affected, where for 15 regions, including Paris, alarm level was declared red. Temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius are expected there, and 1350 public schools had to close. The French capital has also restricted traffic: only vehicles with low pollutant emissions are allowed to drive, and the top speed was reduced by 20 km/h. The Eiffel Tower remains closed until Wednesday, and the population is urgently warned to avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to minimize health risks.

In Italy, the situation is similarly tense. The highest heat warning level applies here in 21 out of 27 cities, including Rome, Milan and Bologna. In response to this, the government banned working outdoors between 12.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to September. The temperatures are also extremely high in other southern European countries: Spain reports a new heat record with 46 degrees Celsius in Huelva, and in Portugal an extreme value was also achieved at 46.6 degrees in Mora. In view of these alarm levels, an increase in heat stroke patients by 10 % was also recorded in Italy.

forest fires and health risks

The heat wave has also led to devastating forest fires. Over 50,000 people were evacuated in Turkey because 41 communities are affected. Firefighters fight the flames in Izmir, who have already damaged more than 130 houses. There are also dramatic scenes in Greece: Firefighters fight for forest fires on the islands of Crete and Chios, with several towns being evacuated and over 4,000 hectares of land are on fire. In addition, a total of 28,000 emergency services are alerted in Greece.

In Austria, this heat wave is not unaffected. On Thursday, temperatures of up to 38 degrees are also prospect, which significantly increases the health burden for the population. Last year, 486 people died in Austria due to the heating fames, which caused the authorities to warn and take appropriate measures.

climate change and its consequences

The more common and more intense heat waves are clearly related to climate change. Experts show that only two heat waves took place in June between 1975 and 2000, while there were already nine between 2000 and 2024. It is estimated that tens of thousands could be endangered by the heat waves in Europe every year, and health groups, including older people and people with previous illnesses, must be careful.

summarized the situation in southern Europe alarming. Citizens are asked to exercise extreme caution and take the warnings provided seriously. The forecast for the coming days continues to point to high temperatures, and summer seems to prove to be particularly critical.

The current situation and the warnings of extreme temperatures in Europe were comprehensively by krone.at , zdfhute.de documented.