Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense. As Europe faces record temperatures, almost half of the EU is also battling severe drought, exacerbating the situation. The high temperatures may result in increased energy and water demand and a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Researchers have estimated that more than 61,600 people died of heat-related causes in Europe in 2022.
Record-breaking Heat
On July 4, for the first time in recorded history, the world's average temperature crept above 17 C (63 F). This follows the hottest June on record, with unprecedented sea surface temperatures and record-low Antarctic sea ice extent. Following the hottest summers on record across Europe in 2021 and 2022, this summer may also threaten records, at least for parts of the continent. A persistent shift in the jet stream over the middle of the continent has trapped successive anticyclones (areas of high pressure) arriving from North Africa over southern parts of Europe through much of July, with two separate heatwaves virtually merging into one. Forecast models indicate peak temperatures of up to 44 C (111 F) on multiple days, with temperatures of 35-43 C (95-109 F) across most of southern and eastern Europe through at least July 23. The anticyclone is likely to weaken July 23, marked by rainfall and thunderstorms. However, another high-pressure area is forecast to track over the region; temperatures are likely to remain high through at least the end of July.
Wildfires Ignite Across Europe
The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions has produced ideal circumstances for wildfire growth throughout the region, with hundreds of wildfires igniting across Europe in recent weeks. Some of the most severe fires have caused evacuations and/or damaged homes in parts of Croatia, Corsica Island in France, La Palma in the Canary Islands in Spain, Sicily Region in Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, and Greece. The European Forest Fire Information Service (EFFIS) is warning of extreme risk of further wildfires igniting in western Albania, southern France, Greece, southern and central Italy, southern and eastern Portugal, most of Spain, and Turkey.
Heatwaves also pose a threat to vulnerable groups - such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses - due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These health risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that high overnight minimum temperatures pose the biggest health risks, especially for vulnerable populations due to the body’s inability to recover from hot days, leading to increased cases of heart attacks and death. Heat-related health issues have put a strain on the local medical facilities in many regions.
Heatwave Impact on Travel
Authorities believe that it is safe to travel in a heatwave but advise travelers to purchase insurance as a precaution. However, most insurance policies do not cover heatwaves. The UK's Foreign Office has travel warnings in place for Italy, Spain and Greece. However, flights are operating normally and standard cancellation policies still apply. Greek authorities temporarily closed the Acropolis in Athens July 14-16 during the hottest part of the day, with the closures continuing intermittently over the recent days. The Greece government has ordered the suspension of work 12:00-17:00 in areas experiencing high temperatures. Reports indicate power outages in parts of Rome and Sicily, Italy, as the electricity demand from air conditioners has strained power grids.
Very high temperatures may warp rail tracks and force passenger and freight trains to operate at reduced speeds. Road surface damage is also possible, and overheated vehicles may worsen traffic problems in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur as very high temperatures stress vehicles, making tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.
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