Extreme Heat Wave and Drought Grip Europe

Millions of people across Europe are facing a new wave of extreme heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius for over half of the continent's population. In France, Italy, and Spain, approximately 92 million people are expected to experience temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Germany is forecasting highs of 34 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, rising to 39 degrees Celsius by Friday in western and southern regions. This marks the third blast of extreme heat in Germany this summer.

The prolonged heat has led to record low water levels on the Rhine, impacting the transport of fuel, minerals, and grain. In response to these supply chain disruptions, Deutsche Bahn has offered to mobilize around 400 additional freight cars to assist with transport. Meanwhile, Germany is battling multiple forest fires. In Lower Saxony, 3,000 square meters of forest burned in Lingen, while fires in Saxony and Baden Württemberg have affected several hectares of land. Emergency services report that these fires are currently under control, though cleanup efforts continue.

Beyond Germany, Spain is deploying 33,000 law enforcement personnel to manage crowds gathering for a total solar eclipse on Wednesday. Authorities are urging visitors to avoid lighting fires or parking in dry vegetation to prevent further wildfires. The heat wave is also expected to extend to the Balkans and the United Kingdom, where the Met Office predicts the hottest summer on record. According to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, temperatures in Europe are rising at twice the speed of other continents.