Extreme heat wave sweeps Central Europe, sparking wildfires and health alerts

Extreme heat wave sweeps Central Europe, sparking wildfires and health alerts

A brutal heat wave that has scorched Western Europe for over a week began moving eastward on Thursday, pushing temperatures in Central and Eastern Europe to dangerous levels. Authorities across the continent issued high-level heat alerts, and several countries reported growing wildfire threats and rising casualties, the New York Times reported.

The wave, which has already killed four people in Spain and forced mass evacuations in Turkey, is now pushing into regions such as Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, and Austria. Forecasters expect conditions to remain extreme through the weekend, with some areas topping 40 degrees Celsius.

Central and Eastern Europe brace for peak heat

In Serbia, the national weather service issued red warnings for three eastern regions, forecasting highs of 38°C — well above the July average. In Austria, southern regions remained under the country’s highest heat stress alert for a second straight day, while Bosnia and Slovakia also issued emergency heat warnings.

Germany saw some relief on Thursday as temperatures began to cool after peaking earlier in the week. But neighbouring Poland, Hungary, and Romania remained on alert. Croatia warned of high temperatures exceeding 34°C, particularly inland.

Spain and France see slight relief, but wildfires rage

In Spain, where four heat-related deaths have been reported, firefighters continued battling multiple blazes, including a massive “mega-fire” in Catalonia that produced a towering eight-mile-high smoke column. Though temperatures began to drop in parts of the country, regions such as Seville still reached 42°C.

Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, noted that the country set a June temperature record last Saturday, with El Granado hitting 46°C. Nine regions remained under active weather warnings as of Thursday.

In France, temperatures in most regions began to ease, with some relief after highs of over 40°C the day before. The top of the Eiffel Tower, closed due to heat earlier in the week, reopened Thursday. However, southeastern France was still experiencing dangerous heat, with temperatures near 36°C.

Italy also remained in crisis mode. The Health Ministry issued red alerts for 18 cities, including Rome and Milan, signalling severe health risks even for healthy individuals. Temperatures in Rome’s Tor Vergata suburb reached 41°C on Wednesday.

Wildfires spread across the region

The oppressive heat, combined with drought and dry winds, has intensified wildfires across Southern Europe. Greece faced fresh blazes on Crete and Khíos, where strong winds hindered firefighting efforts. The fire on Khíos alone burned over 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) of forest earlier in the week.

Portugal reported four active wildfires in its northern and central regions. In Turkey, wildfires across five districts forced the evacuation of more than 50,000 people earlier this week. One person was hospitalized, and dozens more were treated for heat-related symptoms.

How unusual is this heat?

Meteorologists say the current wave is far above normal for early July. In many places, average summer highs have been exceeded by 10°F or more. Rome, for instance, typically averages 86°F in July — well below the recent 106°F readings. Climate scientists warn that heat waves of this magnitude are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of global warming.

According to data from the University of Maine Climate Change Institute, most of Central and Southern Europe is experiencing temperatures 5°F to 15°F above historical averages.

Safety tips as heat persists

Public health authorities have issued guidance to help people stay safe:

• Stay hydrated and use wet cloths or mist to cool skin
• Block sunlight at home with blankets or dark curtains during the day; open windows at night
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity and avoid using ovens or heat-generating appliances
• Watch for signs of heat illness, such as excessive sweating, confusion, fainting, and a body temperature over 103°F
• Protect pets and children by keeping them hydrated and shaded
• As conditions remain critical, governments are extending public services. In cities like Paris, park hours have been extended, pools have opened longer, and misting stations are helping residents cope with the oppressive heat.