A scorching heatwave has been attributed to the tragic deaths of 213 individuals in Spain between Monday and Wednesday this week. Europe is in the midst of an intense heatwave, marked by unprecedented temperatures, maximum alerts, and significant repercussions across various countries.
According to data from the Carlos III Health Institute’s Daily Mortality Monitoring System (MoMo) in Madrid, 213 people lost their lives in Spain during the mentioned period. The MoMo system monitors daily mortality rates in Spain and compares them with historical data to assess fluctuations.
Spain commenced the summer season with heightened vigilance due to expected temperatures around 40C, even in the typically cooler interior of the Basque Country. Outdoor activities were suspended in this region to cope with the extreme conditions.
Unusual June temperatures have also been recorded in France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland this week, some reaching levels never seen before in meteorological records. Public services, infrastructure, and transportation systems are facing strain as soaring temperatures persist day and night.
France witnessed record-breaking average June temperatures, surpassing 40C in various regions, with readings hitting 43.6C in Cazaux, 42.5C in Bordeaux, 42.2C in Nantes, 41.6C in Le Mans, and 40.3C in Paris. Belgium also set a new record with a temperature of 35.1C on Wednesday, the highest ever recorded on June 24th.
In the United Kingdom, the Met Office confirmed that Wednesday marked the hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire. Forecasts project even higher temperatures up to 38C in certain areas today, potentially breaking the previous record.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency Aemet declared the end of the country’s heatwave today as temperatures decreased with the arrival of a cooler Atlantic air mass from the west. Despite this, some regions remain on yellow alert for heat, with additional alerts issued for rain and hail in other areas.