Europe under the grip of scorching heat: Schools closed, train services reduced

Europe is battling a severe heatwave for the second time in a month. While temperatures are expected to reach the high 30s in many countries, it is reported that thermometers could hit 45 degrees in some parts of Spain.

Extreme heat is affecting daily life across a wide area, from France to the United Kingdom, and from Germany to Italy, Portugal, and Switzerland. While heat-related deaths were recorded in France over the weekend, warnings were also issued for temperatures reaching 38 degrees in the south of the United Kingdom.

Authorities in France announced that 845 schools have been closed due to the heat, and students in 1,800 schools will be allowed to leave earlier than usual. The decision came following warnings that heatwaves in the country are occurring earlier and with greater intensity.

In the Île-de-France region, 1 million euros in support had been announced to enable examination centers to acquire cooling equipment. In the United Kingdom, widespread school closures were not declared; however, some schools relaxed dress codes and conducted risk assessments for students and teachers.

DISRUPTIONS IN TRANSPORTATION AND EVENTS

Train services in France and Belgium have also been reduced due to the risks that high temperatures may pose to railway infrastructure. It was reported that one in every 10 trains was canceled at the beginning of the week in Île-de-France to protect the overheating infrastructure. The regional administration advised avoiding non-essential travel and working from home where possible.

In the United Kingdom, some train operators also announced that the number of services could be reduced during the hottest hours of the day and that travel times might increase. The expansion and buckling of rails in extreme heat, trackside fires, and sagging power lines are cited as major risks for railways.

While the Fête de la Musique events held in France over the weekend went ahead despite the hot weather, alcohol consumption in public spaces was banned in regions under red alert. Some events were canceled or moved indoors.

Authorities also warned those wishing to cool off in rivers and lakes to be careful. Following reports of an increase in drowning cases in France and Germany, swimmers were urged not to leave supervised areas, not to jump into strong currents, and to enter the water slowly.

The heatwave also increases the risk of fire and drought. During the conditions that have been effective since Sunday in France's Cher department, 25 hectares of crop fields were reduced to ashes in a fire, and approximately 50 people were evacuated.

Akshay Deoras, a senior researcher at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading, stated in his assessment to AFP that human-induced climate change has made extreme heat much more severe compared to the past. It is reported that more than 62 thousand people have lost their lives due to heat-related causes across Europe throughout 2024.