France reports two deaths in heatwave, 300 hospitalised
With scorching temperatures again today, Spanish officials said a wildfire in Catalonia had killed two people yesterday and France's energy minister reported two deaths with a direct link to the heatwave, with 300 others taken to hospital.
Italy issued red alerts for 18 cities because of the extreme heat and Turkey has been tackling wildfires in what meteorologists say is an "exceptional" heatwave because it has come so early in Europe's summer.
The blaze in Torrefeta in the Catalonia region of Spain destroyed several farms and affected an area stretching for about 40km, officials said. It was largely contained though more wind and thunder storms were expected.
"The fire was extremely violent and erratic due to storms and strong winds, generating a convection cloud that complicated extinguishing efforts," the fire service said.
Authorities in the Spanish city of Barcelona said they were also looking into whether the death of a street cleaner at the weekend was heat-related.
Spain experienced its hottest June on record this year, and France had its hottest June since 2003, Energy MinisterAgnes Pannier-Runacher said.
Weather forecaster Meteo France said red alerts remained for several areas of central France, but that heat was easing in the west, though intense thunderstorms with possible heavy bursts of rainfall were expected in many parts of the east.
Temperature highs were expected around 39 Celsius, with up to 34C in Paris, and 36C to 38C in Strasbourg, Lyon, Grenoble and Avignon.
In Italy, Florence was expected to bear the brunt of the heat with a top temperature of 39C during the day.
Red alerts were issued in 18 cities, including Milan and Rome.
There was a risk of violent and sudden rain and storms, particularly along the central Appennine mountain region and Sardinia and Sicily.
Swiss utility Axpo shut down one reactor unit at the Beznau nuclear power plant and halved output at another yesterday because of the high temperature of river water.
Water is used for cooling and other purposes at nuclear power plants, and restrictions were expected to continue as temperatures are monitored.
Scientists say greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels are a cause of climate change, with deforestation and industrial practices being other contributing factors. Last year was the planet's hottest on record.
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Irish Post
9 hours ago
- Irish Post
Ireland prepares for an official heatwave as Europe swelters
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RTÉ News
11 hours ago
- RTÉ News
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The Journal
12 hours ago
- The Journal
Europe grapples with extreme heat, as wildfires burn homes and claim lives
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