Temperature records tumble across Europe as heatwave moves east

More than 191 million people in Europe face temperatures over 35C, with extreme heat warnings from Germany to Hungary.

• ‘A sad inevitability’: after decades of climate warnings, why is Europe so unprepared for rising heat?

Poland, Czechia and Slovakia are braced for record temperatures of over 40C as a heatwave linked to hundreds of deaths in western Europe spreads east.

More than 191 million people in Europe faced temperatures of at least 35C on Sunday, with extreme heat warnings in Germany, Czechia, Poland and Hungary.

According to meteorologists, the heatwave affecting Europe is one of the most intense of the decade, with temperatures that can reach 45C in some areas. The situation is particularly critical in Poland, where authorities are preparing for the worst.

‘The situation is very serious and we are prepared for anything’, said a government spokesperson. ‘We are working in close collaboration with emergency services to ensure the safety of citizens’.

The heatwave affecting Europe is the result of a combination of climate factors, including global warming and the formation of a high-pressure system that is blocking the circulation of cold air.

‘It's a very complex situation and we are working to understand better the climate mechanisms that are causing it’, said a climate expert. ‘But it's clear that global warming is contributing to the intensity and frequency of heatwaves’.

The situation is particularly critical for the most vulnerable, including the elderly, children and people with chronic diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the risk of heat-related deaths and recommends that people take precautions during high temperatures.

‘It's essential that people are aware of the risk of heat-related deaths and take measures to protect themselves’, said a WHO spokesperson. ‘This includes drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous physical activity and seeking refuge in cool places’.

The situation in Europe is a reminder of the importance of preparing for the consequences of global warming. It's time to act and take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the most vulnerable population.