Europe is experiencing extreme heatwaves with temperatures above 30°C, leading to an increase in heat-related illnesses. The peak of the heat is predicted to be between August 12 and 13, with gradual cooling from Wednesday.
However, hot conditions will persist in eastern and southern Europe. The high temperatures are a result of climate change, with hot air from North Africa being pulled northward.
The Mediterranean's high water temperatures contribute to the heat and humidity, potentially generating more thunderstorms and heavy rains. This extreme heat coincides with the anniversary of the 2003 disaster in France, where 15,000 people died due to the heat.
The heatwave has affected several regions, including France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and even the far north beyond the Arctic Circle. Higher sea surface temperatures, particularly in the Mediterranean, exacerbate the heat and humidity.
The heatwaves have resulted in significant mortality rates, with around 50,000 deaths in Europe in 2023 alone. Climate change is causing Europe to warm twice as fast as the rest of the world, necessitating more aggressive measures to combat global warming.
