- Heatwaves have battered Europe this summer, upending harvests and disrupting critical supply chains.
- Millions across Europe, particularly in France, Italy, Spain and the UK, sweltered through a new wave of extreme temperatures on Thursday.
- More than 135 million people were forecast to face temperatures above 35C, with parts of France soaring past 42C and the UK recording the hottest day of the year.
- In France, Météo-France recorded 42.5C in Chateaumeillant, the country's highest reading on Thursday, while Paris hit 38C.
- In Italy, similar temperatures were forecast to affect 29 million people; in Spain, around 25 million were affected, with Aemet recording 37C.
- In the UK, temperatures reached 36C or higher in 40 locations, and the country is on track to record its hottest ever summer.
- Parched soil and scorching heat are threatening Europe's fall planting season, with farmers delaying sowing or reconsidering land to plant.
- As dry weather persists, concern is turning to next year’s crop, with some farmers already delaying sowing or reconsidering how much land to plant.
- Europe is the fastest-warming continent and in some places is ill-equipped to deal with hot weather, with scientists blaming ever hotter and more frequent heatwaves on human-caused climate change.
- Repeat heatwaves and drought have fuelled a historically hot summer of wildfires and contributed to the deaths of thousands of people.
Europe is grappling with a severe heat wave, as millions endure extreme temperatures, particularly in France, Italy, Spain, and the UK. On Thursday, France recorded a staggering 42.5C in Chateaumeillant, while the UK is on track for its hottest summer ever, according to the Met Office.249
More than 135 million people are forecast to experience temperatures exceeding 35C, with significant impacts on agriculture. Farmers are already delaying sowing due to parched soil, raising concerns for next year's crop yields amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Scientists attribute these extreme weather patterns to human-caused climate change, which has led to a historically hot summer marked by wildfires and health risks.3710
In Italy, around 29 million people are affected, particularly in coastal and southern regions, while Spain's Aemet weather agency reported temperatures of 37C in central areas. The heat wave has prompted alerts across Europe, with Paris hitting 38C and much of the country under heat warnings. The situation underscores the urgent need for climate action as Europe faces unprecedented weather challenges.5
As the continent continues to warm, the implications for public health and agriculture are profound, with 340 million people projected to experience temperatures above 30C this summer, according to forecasts from the German weather service and the Joint Research Centre.
“More than 135 million people face temperatures above 35C, with parts of France soaring past 42C and the UK recording its hottest day of the year. The heat has already upended harvests and disrupted supply chains, prompting farmers to delay sowing or reconsider planting areas.”
euronews.com
