A severe heatwave continues to grip Europe, breaking temperature records and causing widespread disruption. On Saturday, Germany recorded a new all-time high of 41.5°C, surpassing the previous day's record of 41.3°C. The heatwave, which began in the Iberian Peninsula, has now spread to northern and central Europe, affecting an estimated 150 million people with temperatures exceeding 35°C. The World Meteorological Organization has warned of major impacts on health and ecosystems, while hundreds of deaths have been linked to the extreme heat.
In Germany, the infrastructure has been severely impacted. Sections of the Autobahn, including the A2 near Berlin, buckled under the intense heat, forcing closures. Train operator Deutsche Bahn advised against nonessential travel due to cancellations and safety concerns. In the western city of Dormagen, dozens of residents from a nursing home were evacuated after indoor temperatures reached 35°C, and one resident died, though the cause remains unclear.
The heatwave has also affected other European countries. Denmark and the Czech Republic recorded new temperature highs, while Switzerland saw a record of 101.8°C in Basel. In France, hospitals remain under intense pressure due to heat-related emergencies, including heart attacks and heatstroke. The heatwave has disrupted rail travel, power generation, and outdoor events, with schools suspended and alcohol bans imposed in some areas.
Scientists have linked the heatwave to climate change, stating that such extreme temperatures would have been virtually impossible without human-induced global warming. The heatwave is expected to peak over the weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching 42°C in some parts of Germany. Authorities have urged residents to save water and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
In the United States, the western region faces an elevated wildfire threat due to severe drought and intense heat. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for extremely critical fire weather conditions in several states, including Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Low soil moisture and unrelenting heat have left vegetation dangerously flammable, increasing the risk of fast-spreading wildfires.