Europe braces for next heat wave

Europe braces for another scorching heat wave, with millions of people bracing for temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius. France, Italy, and Spain are set to experience the brunt of the extreme heat, with an estimated 92 million residents facing temperatures above the threshold. Over half of Europe's population, amounting to 300 million individuals, will witness temperatures soaring past 30 C. This heat wave follows the continent's warmest June-July period on record, as reported by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service.

European temperatures are warming twice as fast as other regions. German meteorologists predict highs of 34 C on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 37 C and up to 39 C by Friday in western and southern regions. Record-low water levels on the Rhine River due to the drought are impacting transportation of goods. France, Spain, and Italy are bracing for similar extreme heat conditions just weeks after devastating wildfires.

Spanish authorities have deployed over 33,000 law enforcement personnel to monitor eclipse observation areas, where drought conditions have exacerbated wildfire risks. The heat wave is also expected to extend to southeastern Europe, including Greece, Albania, and Croatia. The United Kingdom anticipates its hottest-ever summer, with temperatures expected to exceed 30 C. Several European nations have set new temperature records this summer.