A major heatwave is tightening its grip on Europe, with Belgium issuing an orange alert for most of the country and several other nations warning of serious risks to public health, transport and daily life.
Belgium’s Royal Meteorological Institute said maximum temperatures from Wednesday were expected to reach or exceed 35°C in many areas, with the alert covering almost the entire country. The warning comes as a wider spell of extreme heat affects western and southern Europe, bringing unusually high temperatures to the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain.
In the UK, health authorities issued a rare red heat-health alert for Wednesday and Thursday, with forecasters warning that June temperature records could be broken. The Met Office has predicted highs of up to 38°C in southern England, after temperatures reached 34.6°C on Tuesday in Wisley, south-west of London.
Officials said the red alert reflects the seriousness of the conditions, with the heat expected to affect not only older people, children and those with health problems, but also the wider population. The only previous alert of this level was issued in July 2022, when the UK recorded temperatures above 40°C for the first time.
The heat has also disrupted travel between Britain and France. Eurostar cancelled four services between London and Paris scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, citing expected adverse weather.
France, Italy and Spain have also placed millions of people under heat warnings. In France, extreme temperatures have affected schools, transport and major tourist attractions, with visiting hours restricted at sites including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
Italy’s Health Ministry issued red alerts for 16 cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Turin. The warning level, known as “bollino rosso”, is used when conditions are considered dangerous not only for vulnerable groups but also for healthy adults. Florence was forecast to reach 41°C, while Milan could see highs of 38°C.
Spain has also declared red weather warnings in five provinces, with temperatures approaching 40°C. The north of the country has emerged as one of the main centres of the heatwave.
Health officials across Europe are urging people to take the warnings seriously. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can make it harder for the body to cool itself, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Warm nights can add to the danger by preventing the body from recovering after the hottest part of the day.
Authorities have advised residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during peak heat, drink water regularly and check on people who may be at greater risk.
Source: Euronews
