Europe is experiencing worsening heatwaves, with climate change identified as a significant factor contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of these events. According to EU climate monitor Copernicus, the continent is warming at an alarming rate, making it the “fastest-warming continent on Earth.”
Several recent heatwaves have caused widespread damage, including the 2003 heatwave that struck Western Europe, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths across 16 countries. A similar episode occurred in Russia in 2010, with 56,000 “excess deaths” attributed to the summer heat.
More recently, southern Europe has been particularly affected, with record temperatures recorded in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In June 2022, abnormal heat hit northern Europe, followed by a severe heatwave in July and August that saw temperatures soaring up to 46 degrees Celsius.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and extended, with the first wave of summer heat arriving as early as mid-June. The frequency and intensity of these events have increased significantly since 2000, with over 33 heatwaves recorded nationwide in France alone since 1947.
Local record-breaking temperatures have also been reported, including a peak temperature of 48.8 degrees Celsius on August 11, 2021, in Syracuse, Italy. This extreme weather has exacerbated drought conditions and complicating the organization of events like the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Climate experts agree that heatwaves are becoming more frequent due to climate change, with a notable surge in the last three decades. The European continent is experiencing an upward trend in heat wave occurrences, making it essential to address this growing issue.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250813-five-key-things-about-heatwaves-in-europe