A historic heatwave has swept across northern Europe, breaking temperature records in Germany, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, as the United Kingdom prepares for the extreme weather to arrive later this week. Meteorologists have described the event as unprecedented in both intensity and duration.
In Germany, the national weather service recorded a high of 42.6°C in the western city of Duisburg on Wednesday, eclipsing the previous record of 41.2°C set in 2015. Denmark saw its hottest day ever on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 39.8°C in the southern town of Abed, surpassing the 1975 record of 36.4°C. The Czech Republic reported 41.1°C in the town of Dobřichovice, breaking the national record set just two days earlier.
The extreme heat has prompted emergency measures across the affected countries. Germany has activated crisis response teams, and several regions have opened cooling centres for the elderly and vulnerable. Denmark has suspended non-essential outdoor work, and the Czech government has urged people to stay indoors during peak hours. Rail networks in Germany and Denmark have imposed speed restrictions to prevent track buckling, causing widespread delays.
The UK Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat from Sunday through Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to reach 38°C in parts of southern England. The agency has advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbours. Transport for London has warned of likely disruptions on the Tube and rail services due to heat-related speed restrictions.
Climate scientists have linked the intensity of this heatwave to human-induced climate change. Dr. Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer at Imperial College London, stated that such events are now 10 times more likely because of global warming. The heatwave has also exacerbated drought conditions across much of Europe, with several countries reporting low river levels and increased risk of wildfires.
Public health officials are concerned about the mortality impact. In 2003, a similar European heatwave caused an estimated 70,000 excess deaths, mostly among the elderly. Geriatricians have advised that medication adjustments may be necessary for those on diuretics or blood pressure drugs, as heat stress can alter drug efficacy.
The economic cost of the heatwave is mounting. German agricultural unions have reported damage to crops, particularly corn and sugar beet, with harvests expected to fall by up to 30%. Tourism in Denmark and the Czech Republic has been affected, though some coastal resorts have reported increased beach traffic. The UK's healthcare system is bracing for a surge in heat-related admissions, with NHS England activating its heatwave plan.
As the heatwave shifts north and west, meteorologists predict it will reach the UK by Sunday. The Met Office has warned that overnight temperatures may remain above 20°C, offering little relief. The UK government has yet to call a Cobra meeting, but Downing Street has said it is monitoring the situation closely.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as information becomes available.
