Arabic version: موجة حر شديدة تجتاح أوروبا، محطمة الأرقام القياسية

A significant heatwave is affecting large parts of Europe, with Germany bracing for temperatures expected to exceed 40°C. According to The Guardian, extreme heat warnings have also been issued for England, as the heatwave continues to move east across the continent.

Research from the World Weather Attribution group indicates that temperatures in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain are currently between 5°C and 12°C above the seasonal average. The analysis found that 45% of the 854 European cities studied have either broken or are forecast to break heat records, highlighting the severity of the ongoing heatwave.

In Germany, the nationwide high temperature warning covers all 16 states, with the German Weather Service predicting local highs of up to 42°C. The heatwave is not only impacting daily life but also straining healthcare systems, with Spain reporting over 300 heat-related deaths in the past week.

While western Europe is experiencing extreme conditions, some eastern countries, such as Greece, are seeing milder temperatures. The Greek capital, Athens, recorded a temperature of 31°C, significantly lower than the scorching heat further west. However, authorities are still addressing wildfires sparked by the weather.

In the UK, families are responding to the heatwave by booking air-conditioned hotel rooms, with searches for accommodations featuring air conditioning tripling since early June. This surge in demand reflects the challenges many face in keeping their homes cool during this intense heat.

As the heatwave continues to evolve, it is expected to peak today, with forecasts indicating that the hottest conditions will spread into central and eastern Europe, affecting countries like Poland and the Balkans over the weekend.