Wildfires continue to rage as Europe swelters under extreme heat

Extreme heatwaves have shattered all-time temperature records in various European countries, exacerbating wildfires and droughts, according to The Guardian. Slovakia witnessed a record-breaking 42°C heatwave, while Austria and Hungary also experienced historic highs. Poland was compelled to halt Kozienice and Połaniec coal-fired power plants due to critically low water levels in the Vistula River, resulting in a loss of approximately 1.3GW of power capacity.

In Germany, climate activists protested outside the chancellery, calling for an end to fossil fuel use amid inaction from the government to protect citizens from extreme heat. The Robert Koch Institute estimates that around 11,900 deaths across Germany have been attributed to heat during the summer. Hungary's Prime Minister announced the temporary return of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant to operation, urging residents to voluntarily reduce electricity consumption.

The combination of extreme heat and ongoing drought, fueled by the worsening climate crisis, is placing immense strain on local populations, essential infrastructure, and wildlife. During a record-breaking heatwave in late June, over 10,000 excess deaths were recorded in 27 European countries, primarily affecting those aged 65 and older, as per EuroMOMO data.