Western Europe Gripped by Intense Heatwave
A severe heatwave sweeping across Western Europe has forced France to impose restrictions on the use of tap water. The extreme temperatures are affecting several countries, including Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland, and have already triggered a red-level danger warning in the Netherlands, where most schools have been closed. In France, rivers have reached record temperatures: on June 25, the average daily water temperature of the Seine in Rouen at a depth of one meter hit 27°C, while the Loire River in Oudon approached 32°C.
In the French town of Chamonix, air temperatures exceeded 30°C at an altitude of about 1,000 meters above sea level, and the Bossons Glacier continues to lose mass. In the northwestern Mediterranean, the sea surface temperature reached 26.9°C. The heatwave is now moving eastward, expected to reach the Balkans by Saturday. In Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, temperatures are forecast to hit 39°C. Belgrade is predicted to see 36°C on Saturday, 38°C on Sunday, and 39°C on Monday and Tuesday.
Ukraine and Neighboring Countries Brace for Scorching Heat
Ukraine is also bracing for extreme heat. From June 28 to 30, daytime temperatures in the western regions, including Vinnytsia and Zhytomyr oblasts, could reach 38°C. On Sunday, Kyiv and the right bank of the Dnipro River will also see temperatures of 38°C. In Slovakia, daytime temperatures will range from 34°C to 36°C, and in Bratislava, the municipality is already deploying water tankers with drinking water. In Hungary, temperatures are expected to rise to 38–40°C.
'Millions of drinking water packages are being prepared for potential distribution to the population.' Peter Magyar
These measures underscore the severity of the situation as the heatwave continues to disrupt daily life and impact the environment across the region.
This heatwave across Western Europe highlights the growing challenges the region faces due to climate change. Water use restrictions and rising temperatures could have long-term consequences for agriculture, water supplies, and public health. As global warming accelerates, such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, prompting countries to develop effective adaptation and emergency response strategies.
As the heatwave continues to intensify across Europe, the forecast indicates even higher temperatures in the coming days. For a detailed overview of how this extreme weather is expected to impact various regions, including potential highs of 45°C, check out our article on the upcoming scorching conditions in Western Europe.