Three European nations have broken national heatwave records this week, with temperatures in Germany, Denmark, and the Czech Republic surpassing previous highs. The extreme weather event, driven by a stationary high-pressure system over central Europe, has prompted renewed scrutiny of meteorological forecasting capabilities. The UK’s Met Office has received particular praise for its accurate long-range predictions, which allowed authorities to issue early warnings and mitigate disruption.
In Germany, the mercury reached 42.6°C in the western town of Duisburg on Wednesday, eclipsing the previous national record of 42.1°C set in 2015. Denmark recorded 39.2°C in Copenhagen, shattering its 2018 high of 38.9°C. The Czech Republic saw 41.4°C in Olomouc, surpassing its 2019 record of 40.3°C. These figures are provisional pending verification by national meteorological services.
The heatwave has strained infrastructure. Power grids in Germany and the Czech Republic have reported increased demand, while rail networks in Denmark imposed speed restrictions to prevent track buckling. Hospitals have treated patients for heatstroke and dehydration. In Germany, at least three deaths have been attributed to the heat, though official figures are expected to rise.
The accuracy of the UK Met Office’s forecasts has been a point of discussion. The institution correctly predicted the intensity and duration of the heatwave five days in advance, enabling local governments to activate emergency plans. This stands in contrast to criticisms faced during last year’s European heatwaves, when some forecasts underestimated peak temperatures. The Met Office attributes its improved performance to upgraded supercomputer models and data assimilation techniques.
The heatwave is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events linked to climate change. The World Meteorological Organization has noted that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense across Europe. The current event is expected to persist through the weekend, with temperatures easing early next week as the high-pressure system weakens.
For now, the focus remains on managing the immediate health and infrastructure risks. The records broken will serve as a benchmark for future planning and a reminder of the importance of accurate forecasting in an era of climate volatility.
