PARIS (AP) – Barcelona has recorded its hottest June in over a century, as reported by Spain's national weather service, amidst a major heat wave affecting Europe. The Fabra Observatory, perched on a hill overlooking the city, recorded an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 25.6 C set in 2003. Additionally, a single-day high of 37.9 C (100 F) was noted on Monday, June 30.
Typically shielded from extreme heat due to its geographical location between hills and the Mediterranean, Barcelona is nonetheless experiencing the impacts of the first heat wave of the year. Health warnings have been issued in multiple European Union countries, aligning with the heat wave that has resulted in unusually high temperatures across the region.
In Paris, temperatures are expected to soar to 40 C (104 F), creating alarming conditions that also affect Belgium and the Netherlands, while Portugal sees a reprieve with falling temperatures. The French weather agency, Météo-France, placed several regions under the highest red alert, particularly affecting Paris. As the heat wave intensified, more than 1,300 schools were set to partially or fully close, as confirmed by the Education Ministry.
Visitors to the iconic Eiffel Tower were advised to postpone visits due to the closure of the summit until Thursday. Météo-France has raised concerns about the heightened risk of wildfires, attributing it to drought conditions and a lack of rainfall throughout June.
Climate experts project that future summers will be hotter than any previously recorded, with predictions suggesting that by 2100, France could experience temperature increases of up to 4 C (39 F). This may result in annual occurrences of temperatures exceeding 40 C (104 F) and extreme heat spikes that could reach 50 C (122 F). Météo-France warns of a potential tenfold increase in heat wave days by the end of the century.
In Italy, 17 out of 27 major cities are experiencing extreme heat, according to the Health Ministry. North Italy faced torrential rains on Monday, leading to flooding in areas such as Bardonecchia near Turin. Tragically, a 46-year-old construction company owner collapsed and died while working in Bologna, where heat is suspected to be a contributing factor. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced measures to protect construction workers from heat exposure, as emphasized by the CGIL labor union.
In the Netherlands, an outdoor event in Amsterdam commemorating the end of slavery was rescheduled to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Organizers of a concert featuring Neil Young in Groningen took similar precautions, including providing additional drinking water and free sunblock. The national weather institute has issued alerts for extreme temperatures and smog, with warnings for potential severe thunderstorms in the eastern Netherlands as the hot weather subsides.
Meanwhile, in Portugal, Lisbon is forecasted to hit 33 C (91 F), typical for this time of year, though some inland regions may experience peaks of 43 C (109 F). Records were shattered on June 29, with the Portuguese weather agency confirming a record high of 46.6 C, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in mainland Portugal for June. The previous record stood at 44.9 C from 2017.
Authorities are under pressure to respond to the ongoing heat wave and potential health risks across Europe. The juxtaposition of heat in southern areas and a cooling trend in the west highlights the complex climate dynamics affecting the continent this summer.
