Millions of people across Europe are facing exceptionally high temperatures on 12 August as another powerful heatwave affects much of the continent. Western and southern Europe are at the centre of the episode, with France, Italy and Spain experiencing the most severe conditions.
More than 300 million face temperatures above 30C
According to an analysis by Agence France-Presse (AFP), more than 92 million people are expected to be in areas where temperatures exceed 35C. More than 300 million residents across the continent are forecast to experience temperatures above 30C.
In France, around 30 million people are expected to face temperatures exceeding 35C. Mountainous areas and parts of the country’s northeast are among the few regions where temperatures are forecast to remain lower.
Around 29 million people in Italy are expected to experience extreme heat stress, while approximately 21 million people in Spain are forecast to face temperatures above 35C.
Heat spreads towards the Balkans
The heatwave is not confined to western Europe and is gradually expanding towards the Balkans, significantly affecting Greece, Albania, Croatia and other areas along the Adriatic coast.
Meteorologists have warned that dry conditions combined with high temperatures are also increasing the risk of wildfires across several Mediterranean countries.
Temperatures rise across the UK
Northern parts of Europe, which traditionally experience less intense heatwaves, are also being affected.
In the United Kingdom, around 43 million people are expected to experience temperatures above 30C. The UK Met Office has also indicated that this summer could become the hottest ever recorded in the country.
Data highlight scale of heatwave
The AFP analysis was based on forecasts from the German meteorological service, demographic projections for 2025 from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and data from Austrian environmental organisation Klimadashboard.
The findings highlight the scale of the episode, with more than half of Europe’s population expected to experience temperatures exceeding 30C.
Scientists have noted that extreme heat events in Europe have become more frequent and intense in recent years, raising concerns over their impact on public health, energy consumption, agricultural production and the natural environment.
Source: ERT News
