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Add to Preferred SourcesAn unusually early and exceptionally intense heatwave has set new temperature records in Europe, posing a major threat to people’s health, agriculture and the environment. Initial reports indicated that heat-health early warnings successfully limited the death toll.
It is premature to attribute the heatwave to climate change, but this is consistent with climate scenarios which predict more frequent, drawn out and intense heat events as greenhouse gas concentrations lead to a rise in global temperatures.
France reported a new national temperature record of 45.9° Celsius in Gallargues-le-Montueux on 28 June and two other observing stations also reported above 45°C – the first time in modern record that this temperature has been passed.
The Spanish national meteorological and hydrological agency AEMET issued a red alert for heat as temperatures topped 40°C in parts of northern Spain (Teruel, Navarra, Barcelona, Ampurdan and Lledia). It also warned of very high to extreme wildfire risk, as a wildfire raged in Catalonia.
Temperatures above 40 °C were recorded in some places in In North Africa. Serious concerns have been raised about the well-being of players at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt as a consequence of extreme heat.
Temperatures in central Europe are expected to be between 3°C and 6°C above the long-term average, and 1°C to 3°C above average over remaining areas, according to the regional centre at Offenbach (Germany). A daily maximum temperature above 30°C is expected for most of the area during most of the time, partly above 35°C.
National meteorological and hydrological services in Europe are working closely with national and local authorities on heat-health action plans to protect lives. These heat-health early warning systems have activated civil protection efforts across the region.
The heatwave in Europe follows extreme heat episodes in Australia, India, Pakistan and parts of the Middle East in 2019. More are expected to follow during this northern hemisphere summer.
WMO is, therefore, stepping up joint action with the World Health Organization to try to tackle health risks posed by extreme weather, including heatwaves, and air pollution, with a special focus on urban areas.
Original source: WMO
Published on 01 July 2019