People take advantage of the opportunity to cool off at the Trocadero Fountain near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Photo: VCG
On June 21st, Europe experienced a prolonged heatwave that blanketed the entire region, marking the beginning of the three hottest months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Meteorologists say that temperatures are rising daily due to the "heat dome" phenomenon, where hot air masses from the Sahara Desert are trapped under the influence of a large high-pressure area.
"We are facing an intense and record-breaking heatwave in many countries, with widespread impacts on public health, infrastructure and essential services," said scientist Akshay Deoras from the University of Reading (UK).
Extreme heat threatens to damage infrastructure, affect human health, and harm ecosystems.
Heatwaves in Europe are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. According to the World Health Organization, the heatwaves in Europe over the past four years have been deadly natural disasters, with more than 200,000 people across the continent dying from various heat-related causes.
In France, authorities have issued a red alert for extreme heat in 35 out of 96 provinces, with the number expected to rise to 49 as temperatures in some areas exceed 40 ° C. In Paris, the Louvre Museum canceled a free concert under its famous glass pyramid. People were allowed to swim in the Saint-Martin canal to cool off.
Under extreme weather conditions, the French national railway company canceled 71 intercity trains and deployed 3,500 network monitoring staff and an additional 2,000 workers to carry out emergency repairs in case high temperatures caused track expansion or endangered the electrical system. Vulnerable passengers were also advised to postpone travel.
Facing similar heatwave conditions, temperatures in Belgium exceeded 30°C on June 21st and are expected to break records in the coming days. Several train services have been delayed during peak hours to reduce the risk of accidents. Wildlife rescuers in the country are also under pressure as more and more animals are being affected by the heat.
In neighboring Germany, temperatures in the capital Berlin have been recorded exceeding 30°C and could rise to 37°C or even 39°C by the middle of this week; accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy rain. Over the weekend, severe storms hit residential areas, disrupting festivals in some western regions, and even forcing organizers of the Berlin Open tennis tournament to evacuate people from the competition venue. Despite the heat, the German Lifesaving Association is urging people not to let their guard down when swimming in local rivers and lakes.
After several days of temperatures exceeding 35°C, the Italian government was forced to issue a red alert in at least eight cities, including Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin. The Spanish meteorological agency also issued a similar warning, with temperatures across much of the continent, including the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca, expected to exceed 39-44°C. In Switzerland, residents were warned of an intense heatwave with temperatures reaching 37°C, but it was unclear when this heatwave would end.
Meanwhile in the UK, the Royal Meteorological Society said the country was on the verge of an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures potentially breaking records, reaching 38-39°C.
MAI QUYEN (According to Reuters, DW)
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nang-nong-bao-trum-chau-au-a207792.html
