PARIS — Authorities across Western Europe prepared for the peak of an intense late-June heatwave on Thursday as temperatures remained at record or near-record levels in several countries, prompting health warnings, school closures and disruptions to transport and public services.
Government agencies in France, Britain, Spain, Italy and other countries issued alerts as the heatwave continued to affect millions of people. Forecasters said temperatures were expected to remain exceptionally high in parts of Western and Central Europe through the end of the week.
In France, temperatures in Paris reached a June record of 40.9 degrees Celsius (105.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, according to French authorities cited by Reuters. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ordered the highest level of health service mobilization, with hospitals directed to prioritize heat-related cases. Thousands of schools were closed or operating under special measures as officials urged residents to limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
“Slow down,” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said in a message to residents, according to Reuters, as city officials encouraged people to seek shade, stay hydrated and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
Britain also experienced unusually high temperatures. The UK recorded its highest June temperature on Wednesday, reaching 36.1 degrees Celsius in southern England, according to meteorological authorities cited by Reuters and the Associated Press. Health agencies extended heat-related alerts, while rail services, schools and public facilities faced disruptions linked to the extreme conditions.
Spain’s national weather agency AEMET warned of “serious, even extraordinary danger” in several regions as temperatures approached or exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. Red alerts remained in effect in parts of the country, particularly in areas less accustomed to prolonged extreme heat.
Italy, Germany and Austria also reported impacts from the heatwave. Authorities in those countries issued public-health advisories, while some sporting events and outdoor activities were modified because of safety concerns. Forecasters said temperatures in some areas could reach about 41 degrees Celsius.
The World Meteorological Organization said on Monday that it and partner agencies were coordinating heat-health action plans as the weather system affected large parts of Europe. The organization said the heatwave was having effects on infrastructure, economic activity and public health across the region.
As of Thursday, officials across Western Europe continued to advise residents to take precautions against heat exposure. Weather services said temperatures were expected to remain elevated in several countries before conditions gradually eased in some areas later in the week.
