Europe heatwave: 90 million people face temperatures above 35°C

A major heatwave is impacting Europe, with more than 90 million people expected to experience temperatures exceeding 35°C. The most intense heat is concentrated in Western and Southern Europe.

In France, approximately 30 million people will face temperatures above 35°C, though mountainous and northeastern regions may be spared. Italy and Spain are also heavily affected, with 29 million and 21 million people respectively facing similar extreme heat. The heatwave extends into the Balkans, specifically impacting Greece and the Adriatic coast, including Albania and Croatia.

Broadly, temperatures above 30°C are forecast to affect roughly 300 million people across the continent, excluding Turkey. In the United Kingdom, about 43 million people will experience temperatures over 30°C. Scientists note that these recurring heatwaves are a significant marker of global warming, driven by the burning of fossil fuels.