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Temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius across much of western and central Europe on June 21, prompting red alerts, rail cancellations, and wildfire evacuations. The heat surge is expected to continue at least until midweek.
A severe heatwave pushed temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius across much of western and central Europe on June 21, triggering red alerts, transport disruptions, and wildfire evacuations. Italian authorities issued red alerts for eight cities including Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin after several days above 35C.
In Rome, pilgrims in St Peter's Square used parasols and umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun. Spain's AEMET weather agency warned of temperatures exceeding 39 to 40C across large parts of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca, with the heatwave expected to last at least until midweek.
France's rail operator SNCF cancelled 71 intercity trains until Monday on key routes after high temperatures threatened overhead power lines and track expansion. SNCF chief Jean Castex said 3,500 staff had been mobilised to monitor the network and 2,000 more would conduct emergency repairs.
In Germany, temperatures reached 38C and the DWD weather service warned of severe thunderstorms in eastern regions including Berlin, where heavy rain disrupted an open-air music festival and forced evacuation of spectators at a tennis tournament.
Greek authorities ordered the evacuation of two settlements on Evia Island on Saturday after a major wildfire broke out. The country's firefighting department deployed 88 firefighters and volunteers along with eight aircraft and six helicopters to contain the blaze amid strong northerly winds.
A wildlife centre near the Belgian city of Namur reported taking in around 150 heat-stressed animals in recent days, with young birds particularly affected. CREAVES founder Romain De Jaegere said centres across Belgium were overwhelmed as nestlings jumped from nests to escape lethal heat.
Meteorologists attributed the heat surge to a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, trapped by a strong high-pressure system known as the African anticyclone that has created a heat dome over the region.
Sources cluster in one ideological lane — treat as developing until independent outlets confirm.
Officials reported 1,003 confirmed cases and 254 deaths from an Ebola outbreak centered in Ituri province. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, began May 15 and has spread to neighboring provinces and Uganda.
The BbcFrance issued red heatwave alerts for roughly half the country, including Paris, as temperatures approached record levels. Parisians sought relief by swimming in the Canal St Martin.
Abc NewsConfirmed Ebola cases in eastern Congo reached 1,003 as of late Sunday, including 254 deaths, the Ministry of Health said. The outbreak, declared May 15 in Ituri province, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.