Europe Roasts: France, Belgium, Switzerland Hit by Record June Heatwave

Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave, with red alerts issued across the continent. This heat is driven by warm air moving north, impacting western European countries particularly hard.

Most of mainland France, with 63 million people, faced temperatures over 30C. Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands also surpassed 30C. Switzerland recorded its hottest ever June temperature at 38C. London’s ambulance service reported its highest number of life-threatening emergencies due to extreme heat.

In Amsterdam, temperatures reached 31C, significantly higher than the usual 21C for June, causing discomfort for residents like Becca Stafford. Belgium hit 37C, marking the warmest June 24 in nearly two centuries, prompting Nathan Stone to note a cultural shift towards heat-proofing homes. Disneyland Paris and the Eiffel Tower closed early on Wednesday as Paris neared 41C, its hottest day ever recorded in France. Over 40 people drowned, and a three-year-old boy died in a car in the Paris suburbs due to the heat.

Temperatures are expected to fall in Western Europe from Friday, but Eastern Europe remains on red alert. Scientists link these recurring heatwaves to global warming, predicting they will become more frequent, longer, and more intense.