Heatwave pushes temperatures above 40C across Western Europe

Germany recorded a preliminary national high of 41.3C near Saarbruecken on Friday as a heatwave linked to dozens of deaths across Western Europe moved east. A spokesperson for Germany’s National Meteorological Service said the reading remained preliminary. Britain, France, Switzerland and Germany have all set new June records during the current spell.

Heat moves east Temperatures above 40C have disrupted rail travel and power generation, prompted alcohol bans, suspended schools and postponed outdoor events. The Ironman European Championship long-distance triathlon in Frankfurt shortened its cycling and running segments on Sunday because of the heat.

de, said the heatwave would peak at the weekend with readings well over 40C in parts of Germany.

Infrastructure strain German national rail operator Deutsche Bahn offered customers free cancellation of long-distance bookings into early next week. The company said its tracks, signals and overhead wires face added risk from sun exposure, thunderstorms and wildfires.

Parts of southwestern Germany have already recorded a much hotter June than usual. Heavy thunderstorms are forecast for Sunday as the most extreme heat begins to ease.

Climate context The heatwave has pushed temperatures up to 18C above seasonal averages, according to the Reuters Climate Monitor. Scientists said the event would have been virtually impossible without human-driven climate change, which has made this week’s night-time temperatures 100 times more likely than two decades ago.

The World Meteorological Organization said the system will shift toward Central Europe and the Balkans by the end of the month. Demand for electric fans has risen sharply, and Asian air-conditioning makers have reported increased European sales.