As temperatures across Europe climbed above 40 degrees Celsius, authorities implemented emergency measures including cool-down stations and the use of chalk to mark shaded areas. The extreme heatwave, which has gripped the continent for a second week, prompted governments to activate heat action plans in several countries.
In Spain, France, and Italy, cities have set up public cooling centres and distributed bottled water. In Paris, officials marked pavement with chalk to guide residents to shaded routes. The measures reflect a growing recognition that Europe is increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat events linked to climate change.
Meanwhile, British authorities have been praised for their preparation and response. The UK Health Security Agency issued a level 4 heat-health alert, the highest, urging vulnerable populations to stay indoors. The Met Office recorded temperatures above 40C for the first time since records began.
Ministers activated the Cobra emergency committee and deployed military personnel to assist ambulance services. Train operators imposed speed restrictions to prevent track buckling. The resilience of the British public drew commendation from international observers.
The heatwave is expected to continue into next week, with forecasters predicting little relief. The European Commission has called for coordinated action on heat resilience, noting that such events are becoming more frequent and severe.
