Heat Records Set in Germany, Denmark, Switzerland as Temperatures Rise

Germany reached 106 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, provisional data from the national weather service showed, marking a new national record. Denmark recorded 98.6 degrees in Ødum, the highest reading since records began in 1874. Switzerland set a new mark of 101.8 degrees in Basel.

The heat wave that affected western Europe earlier in the week shifted eastward. The Czech Republic also reported a record 105 degrees in Doksany. Forecasters said readings there could still increase.

A2 highway outside Berlin buckled from the heat and were closed. Deutsche Bahn advised against nonessential train travel for the weekend. The rail operator stated that transportation infrastructure was being severely affected by the record-breaking heat.

Dozens of residents at a nursing home in the western German city of Dormagen were evacuated after indoor temperatures reached 95 degrees. A resident at the home died overnight, though officials said it was not yet clear whether heat was a factor. In France, the Paris public hospital authority activated an emergency response plan across its 38 hospitals after emergency departments treated nearly 3,000 patients in 24 hours, more than a third above normal levels.

Air conditioning remains uncommon across much of Europe. Three-quarters of France was placed under a red alert for extreme heat on Thursday and Friday.