Climate Threat Extreme Weather in Europe

Thunderstorms Could Put an End to the Heat Wave – With Hurricane-Force Winds and Giant Hail

At least 193 million people are expected to experience temperatures above 35 degrees in Europe today, according to an analysis from AP. This is an increase from yesterday as the heat wave slowly moves east across the continent.

The Netherlands is expected to be one of the first countries to experience some cooling. On the coast, residents can enjoy “slightly less hot” weather – that is, 28 degrees, writes De Telegraaf. During the afternoon and evening, rain and thunderstorms are then expected, which many hope will break the grip of the extreme heat on the country.

The thunderstorms will then continue into Germany, where 75 million people will experience temperatures above 35 degrees today, according to AP calculations. According to Focus, however, it is not certain that the rainy weather will be unilaterally positive: Meteorologists are warning of hurricane-force gusts, torrential rain and hail up to four centimeters in diameter.

French Healthcare Under Pressure – Four Children Die in Hot Cars

A total of four children in France have now died in cars during the intense heatwave, reports The Guardian. The latest case involves an 18-month-old boy who is believed to have been forgotten in a car by his father. The boy was being treated in intensive care, but on Friday the hospital announced that the boy had died.

In addition, 55 people have drowned in the country.

The heat has put healthcare in France under severe pressure. In Paris alone, 50 people died in a day after needing emergency care.

– 55 is a huge number. Normally it is about three or four per day, says Patrick Pelloux, president of the French Association of Emergency Physicians, to Reuters