PARIS/LONDON/ROME, June 24 (Reuters) | Western Europe is facing another wave of extreme heat as a rare “Omega block” weather pattern drives record-breaking temperatures, causing deaths, power disruptions, school closures, agricultural losses, and heightened public health warnings across several countries.
France recorded its hottest day since national records began nearly 80 years ago, with temperatures reaching 44.3 degrees Celsius in Pissos, a town in the southwestern region. Authorities worked to restore electricity to thousands of households in Brittany after heat-related disruptions affected the power supply.
At least 48 people died in France while seeking relief from the heat through swimming and other activities, according to authorities. Two young children also died after being exposed to extreme heat inside a vehicle.
Italy issued its highest heat alert for 16 cities, including Florence, Milan, Rome, Turin, and Verona, as forecasters warned that temperatures in central and northern regions could rise further in the coming days.
The United Kingdom was also preparing for its hottest June day on record, with the Met Office issuing only its second-ever extreme heat warning. Hundreds of schools closed or shortened classes as officials warned that high temperatures could pose health risks even to healthy individuals.
Spain, which experienced temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend, reported two elderly deaths linked to heatstroke. The national weather agency AEMET said conditions began easing after Monday and Tuesday became the hottest late-June days ever recorded in the country.
The extreme heat has also disrupted agriculture and energy systems. French agricultural groups reported that hundreds of thousands of birds died at poultry farms in Brittany and Pays de la Loire because of the heat. Farmers were advised to follow safety procedures for handling animal remains, including environmental checks before burial.
France’s nuclear power plants, which provide most of the country’s electricity, reduced output by about 7% of demand as high temperatures affected access to cooling water.
The ongoing heatwave has been linked to an Omega block, a rare atmospheric pattern named after the Greek letter because of its shape. The system traps hot air over affected regions for extended periods, resulting in temperatures significantly above normal, according to the Reuters Climate Monitor.
Meteo-France said the current conditions are comparable to the August 2003 heatwave, which lasted 16 days and contributed to an estimated 80,000 excess deaths across Europe.
The World Meteorological Organization has warned that Europe is warming faster than the global average, increasing the likelihood of more frequent and intense heat events.
Daily life across Europe has been affected by the extreme weather. The Eiffel Tower announced earlier closing times, while the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace was scaled back because of the heat.
In Paris, the ongoing Fashion Week was also affected, with some fashion houses adjusting schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Organizers said several shows were moved to morning hours as temperatures climbed.
Other countries implemented emergency measures. The Netherlands issued an extreme heat warning, with outdoor sports canceled, public transportation reduced, and schools adjusting schedules as temperatures were expected to reach 36 degrees Celsius. In Switzerland, authorities opened air-conditioned theaters for free daytime screenings to provide relief from the heat.
Construction companies across Europe adjusted working hours to protect workers, while retailers reported increased demand for fans and portable air-conditioning units. The United Kingdom’s largest supermarket chain, Tesco, said sunscreen sales were expected to rise by more than 72% during the week, while ice cream sales were projected to increase by 48%.
Farmers in France introduced night shifts for harvesting to protect workers from dangerous afternoon temperatures and reduce fire risks in fields.
Italy is expected to experience some of the worst conditions in the coming days, with meteorologists forecasting a peak between Sunday and Monday. Temperatures could reach 41 degrees Celsius in parts of Tuscany and Emilia, while high humidity in coastal areas may push perceived temperatures higher.
Despite the dangerous conditions, tourists continued visiting major landmarks, including the Vatican Museums in Rome, where visitors used umbrellas, fans, and water breaks to cope with the heat.
Experts warn that the prolonged heatwave highlights the growing impact of climate change, as Europe continues to experience increasingly frequent periods of extreme temperatures.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
