In Europe, a nuclear reactor was shut down due to the heat, a red danger level has been declared

Europe is facing abnormal heat and wildfires

According to glavcom.ua: The continent is already experiencing extreme heat for the beginning of summer. High temperatures exceeding +39°C have led to human casualties, large-scale wildfires, and even the forced shutdown of a nuclear reactor in Switzerland. This is reported by

"Glavkom" citing Reuters.

Spain and France have suffered losses due to heat-related fatalities. In Spain, two people died in Catalonia due to a wildfire. Meanwhile, in France, high temperatures caused the death of two individuals, while 300 others were hospitalized.

The situation with wildfires

The wildfires that are sweeping across the territory due to abnormal heat pose a serious threat. The fire in Torreflor (Catalonia, Spain) has destroyed several farms and spread over an area of about 40 km. Although the fire has been partially extinguished, an increase in wind and thunderstorms is expected, which may complicate the situation. Firefighters in Catalonia noted that

"the fire was extremely strong and unstable due to storms and strong winds creating a convection cloud, complicating extinguishing efforts."

An investigation is underway in Barcelona to determine if the death of a janitor due to the heat is related.

Italy and Switzerland are also affected

The Italian government has declared a red danger level for 18 cities, including Milan and Rome, due to the abnormal heat. The blow in Florence will be the strongest, with temperatures reaching +39°C. Turkey has also had to fight wildfires amid

"exceptional"

heat. The Swiss company Axpo was forced to shut down one reactor unit at the Beznau nuclear power plant and halve production of another due to critically high river water temperatures used for cooling. These restrictions will remain in place until the water temperature normalizes.

Consequences of climate change

Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher stated that June of this year has become the hottest in recorded history for Spain and probably the hottest since 2003 for France. Meteorologists warn of continued abnormal temperatures in central France and the possibility of intense thunderstorms in the east.

Scientists claim that such extreme weather is a result of climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industry. Last year was the hottest on Earth in recorded history, and the current situation in Europe only confirms alarming climate trends.

At the same time, hot weather is also expected in Ukraine at the end of the workweek. Temperatures may reach +37°C in some areas. It is forecasted that the heat will last from Thursday, July 3, with temperatures across the country around +27...+32°C.