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07/01/2025July 1, 2025
UN climate agency says heat waves will occur more often
The world willl have to live with heat waves, according to the World Meterological Organization (WMO).
The United Nation's weather and climate agency has said that heat waves could occur more often and be more intense.
"As a result of human-induced climate change, extreme heat is becoming more frequent, more intense. It's something we have to learn to live with," said WMO spokewoman Clare Nullis.
The heat wave in Europe is the result of strong high pressure system which is trapping hot air from Northern Africa.
WMO said early warnings and action plans are crucial in protecting the public. Organizations such as the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) are ready to help people across the continent.
"Volunteers are giving out water and checking on the most vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness, older people, and outdoor workers," IFRC spokesman Tommaso Della Longa.
On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the extreme heat is a "new normal."
https://p.dw.com/p/4wkuX
Skip next section Eiffel Tower summit close with much of France on red alert07/01/2025July 1, 2025
Eiffel Tower summit close with much of France on red alert
Tourists hoping for a view from the top of the famous tower faced disappointmentImage: Christophe Ena/AP/picture allianceIn France, red alerts have been issued for 16 departments, including Paris, with temperatures expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit).
Visitors without tickets are being told to postpone trips to the Eiffel Tower, with the uppermost level remaining closed until Thursday. Operators say the shutdown is "to ensure everyone's comfort and safety."
More than 1,300 schools have closed, hospitals are preparing for heat-related cases, and traffic restrictions are in place in Greater Paris.
Fire crews are on high alert for wildfires, while heavy storms have triggered mudslides in the Alps. Cooler weather is forecast for the country from Wednesday.
Climate experts warn that future summers are set to become hotter than any on record. By 2100, France could be up to 4 C warmer, with temperatures topping 40 C every year and extreme spikes possibly hitting 50 C.
https://p.dw.com/p/4wlWF
Skip next section Heat wave scorches Italy as storms hit north07/01/2025July 1, 2025
Heat wave scorches Italy as storms hit north
Italy's health ministry says 17 of the country's 27 major cities are under a heat wave alert.
As the country's north was battered by torrential rain on Monday, parts of Bardonecchia near Turin were left buried in sludge after the Frejus river burst its banks.
Near Bologna, one of the cities under alert on Tuesday, a 46-year-old construction company owner collapsed and died while repaving a school parking lot, according to state-run RAI. An autopsy is underway to confirm the cause, but heat is suspected.
https://p.dw.com/p/4wlXy
Skip next section Heat exhaustion: What to do?07/01/2025July 1, 2025
Heat exhaustion: What to do?
Hannah Fuchs
First of all, those suffering from heat exhaustion should immediately be taken out of the sun, to a cool place or into the shade, and drink water as quickly as possible. Cold, damp cloths can help cool the body.
In addition, someone with heat exhaustion should drink plenty of fluids to bring hydration levels back to normal. Cold water or sports drinks replenish lost salts, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. These can dehydrate you even more, on top of excessive sweating, which, according to experts, can cause additional fluid loss of up to 2 liters on very hot days.
Until the symptoms get better, you need to rest.
It's important to know that in severe cases, severe vomiting, confusion or even unconsciousness can occur. If that happens, you should see a doctor, if only to rule out heat stroke.
https://p.dw.com/p/4wktv
Skip next section Spain, Portugal report hottest June on record07/01/2025July 1, 2025
Spain, Portugal report hottest June on record
Portugal has recorded its highest-ever June temperature at 46.6 degrees Celsius in Mora, east of Lisbon, beating the previous June record from 2017, according to the IPMA weather agency. More than a third of monitoring stations have registered over 40 C on Sunday, with several regions under red alert for extreme heat and wildfire risk.
Spain’s weather service Aemet says last month has been the hottest June on record nationwide, with an average temperature of 23.6 C.
El Granado near Portugal’s border reached 46 C on Saturday, a new June high, while Barcelona posted a sweltering 37.6 C — despite its coastal location.
Scientists say human-driven climate change is making heat waves more intense, with heat domes trapping hotter air.
https://p.dw.com/p/4wl47
Skip next section Germany: Temperature could reach rare 40 C07/01/2025July 1, 2025
Germany: Temperature could reach rare 40 C
The German Weather Service said it expected temperatures to cross 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) this week, with Tuesday and Wednesday set to be the hottest days of the summer so far.
German education trade unions have called for nationwide heat protection regulations in schools amid the heatwave.
"There must be uniform occupational health and safety regulations for students and school employees," said Anja Bensinger-Stolze, a board member of the Education and Science Union (GEW), in an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) newspapers.
In addition to modernizing schools with green roofs and shade sails, Bensinger-Stolze continued, a "nationwide supply of free drinking water" is necessary for all children, young people, and employees.
German hospitals are also requesting additional funding to retrofit clinics.
"Severe heat poses challenges for hospitals and staff. Due to a lack of investment funds, only a few hospitals have air-conditioned rooms, offices, and waiting rooms," said Gerald Gass, the head of the German Hospital Federation (DKG), in an interview with the Rheinische Post newspaper.
"In the long term, we need a climate protection and adaptation program to renovate old buildings," he said, adding that this was the only way clinics can protect patients and staff from the consequences of climate change.
Currently, hospitals rely on measures such as shading facades and cooling packs, Gass explained.
https://p.dw.com/p/4wkvi
Skip next section Welcome to our blogWe are following the heat wave in Europe as red alerts are in place across the continent.
Here in Germany, temperatures have soared, with some areas in the south expected to reach near 40 degrees Celsius.
Two people are suspected to have died because of the heat in Italy and Spain.
The heat wave comes as Spain and Portugal announce that heat records were broken in the month of June.
We'll bring you the latest updates, explainers and analyses on the extreme weather conditions in Europe.
https://p.dw.com/p/4wkuA
