Relief from Extreme Heat in Europe
As the weekend approached, relief from the extreme heat that had gripped parts of Europe began to arrive, bringing with it cooler temperatures and thunderstorms. This marked a shift after days of record-breaking heatwaves that had affected several countries across the continent.
In Germany, the maximum daytime temperature on Sunday reached 24 degrees Celsius, offering some respite to residents. Similarly, Spain and Italy saw average temperatures around 27°C and 30°C respectively. Belgium and Luxembourg experienced significant rainfall as temperatures dropped, signaling the end of a prolonged period of scorching heat. The cool weather provided much-needed relief, especially for those who had endured temperatures above 40°C (104°F) in countries such as France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.
The severe heatwave led to at least eight deaths across Europe—four in Spain, two in France, and two in Italy. As the extreme heat moved eastward last Wednesday, meteorologists warned that the danger is far from over, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
Firefighting Efforts in Germany
In Germany, authorities issued warnings of forest fires along the border between Saxony and Brandenburg. In the district of Meißen, hundreds of firefighters worked tirelessly to combat the flames, aiming to protect villages in the Gohrischheide area.
Four firefighting helicopters from the German army, federal police, and state police were deployed to assist in the effort. According to local authorities, approximately 2,100 hectares of the Gohrischheide nature reserve continued to burn, with the situation on the Saxon side described as particularly tense.
On Sunday, more than 550 firefighters, technical relief workers, the German Armed Forces, police, and other organizations with up to 140 vehicles were deployed to fight the fire. Additional support came from helpers in Saxony-Anhalt and a firefighting robot from Brandenburg, highlighting the extensive efforts to contain the blaze.
Vacation Trends in Spain
In Spain, many residents are increasingly opting to spend their summer vacations in colder Nordic nations. Last year, Spaniards were the eighth-largest tourist group in Finland, but interest in the country is growing, with nearly 200,000 Spanish tourists visiting during the summer season.
Although Finland is not yet as popular a tourist destination during the summer as it is in winter, it is becoming an alternative for those seeking a cooler retreat from the Mediterranean heat. Meanwhile, Spain is expecting up to 100 million tourists this year, as many travelers continue to seek sunshine and warmth.
Drought in Poland
Meanwhile, in Poland, rivers are drying up at a historic rate, with up to 300 hydrological stations currently registering the lowest water levels in the country’s history. The Vistula, Poland’s largest river, has seen its water level significantly subside, breaking a record. At the Bulwary monitoring station in Warsaw, the river has fallen to just 13 centimeters.
All provinces along Polish rivers—including the Vistula, Odra, Warta, Bug, and Narew—have been placed on alert due to the drought. The eastern, central, and southern regions of the country are the most affected. Experts are particularly concerned about forecasts for July and early August, predicting further heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 35°C, combined with an almost complete lack of precipitation and low humidity in the forests.
The Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has warned that less than half of the monthly rainfall norm is expected to fall in many regions, despite July being statistically projected as the month with the highest rainfall totals of the year.
Climate Change and Future Challenges
Experts warn that extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent in the southern part of Europe, attributing the increased frequency and severity of heatwaves to climate change. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) spokesperson, Clare Nullis, emphasized that humans will have to learn to live with more frequent and intense heatwaves as a result of climate change.
“We are currently under the influence of a strong high-pressure system; this is trapping hot air from northern Africa over the region. And as we can see, it’s having a pretty big impact on the way we feel,” the WMO representative said. This highlights the urgent need for adaptation and resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.
