Western Europe Faces Heatwave With Higher Temperatures and Some Storm Alerts Expected

Western Europe sweltered under a punishing heatwave on Friday, with temperatures expected to climb further in the coming days and potentially shatter more records. France 24 reported that Britain, France, Spain, Switzerland and Germany raised alert levels, as did some cities in northern and central Italy. In France, hundreds of schools adjusted their timetables to cope with the heat.

Forecasters warned of an intense and long-lasting heatwave that could bring temperatures in Paris above 40 °C for the first time on a June day. German forecasters issued alerts for thunderstorms, hail and heavy rain over the weekend. Meteorologists confirmed that England and Wales recorded their hottest spring ever.

The UK Met Office stated there is a 40-percent chance of exceeding the June temperature record set in 1976. Spain's civil protection agency warned of prolonged extreme heat affecting most of the country and the Balearic Islands from Sunday through much of the following week. 7 °C on Friday, its hottest June temperature on record.

France experienced its hottest spring since records began in 1900. In Paris, retiree Patricia Pierrot said she stopped taking the bus because it was too stifling. Estate agent David Blanchet said it is important to stay hydrated and not eat too much during the heat.

Jean-Luc Eclercy Deterpigny moved to a cave dwelling in Troo during the Covid-19 pandemic and now serves as head of the local tourism association. He told AFP the caves maintain stable temperatures year-round due to the surrounding rock mass. "Living in a cave dwelling in the context of climate change is honestly an incredible stroke of luck," Eclercy Deterpigny said.