Heatwave Triggers Deaths and Closures in France
A severe heatwave has resulted in the loss of three lives in France and has led to the closure or schedule alteration of nearly 2,700 schools. This comes as warnings of scorching temperatures are being announced throughout Europe.
Record-Breaking Temperatures in France
The southwestern city of Bordeaux in France is expected to see the mercury rise above 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The national weather body has issued a red alert for heatwave conditions in 49 regions.
The French Health Minister has warned that the country is likely to experience days of intense heat, with no clear indications of when the temperatures will start to reduce.
Three senior citizens, aged between 80 and 95, sadly passed away over the weekend in the Bordeaux area due to health complications related to the ongoing heatwave, a local government official confirmed.
Heatwave Hits Spain
Meanwhile, in Spain, the national weather agency issued a red alert for the Basque country, located in the typically cooler north. In the city of San Sebastian, temperatures are expected to soar to 40C, which is more than double the historical average for this time of the year.
San Sebastian is predicted to be hotter than the southern cities of Seville and Cordoba, which usually record the country's highest summertime temperatures.
"We are seeing temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees above normal for this time of year, and in some northern areas even more than 10 degrees above average," a spokesperson for the weather agency stated.
Little Respite in the Evening
Nights are offering little relief from the heat in certain parts of Spain, with temperatures not dipping below 25C or even 30C in areas like the southwestern province of Almeria.
On Monday, Europe was the farthest from its historical average temperature, with an average high of 24C, which is 4.1C above the usual range from 1961-1990. In comparison, Asia and North America were 2C and 1.3C above the historical average, respectively.
Impact on Wildlife
Northern European wildlife shelters are struggling to deal with the influx of animals suffering from the heat. Birds like swifts, swallows, sparrows and starlings, which build their nests in roof eaves, are particularly affected by the unusually high temperatures, according to a biologist and founder of a wildlife refuge in Belgium.
Roof temperatures can sometimes reach 50 or even 60 degrees Celsius, causing the birds to jump from their nests to avoid death by heat, the biologist explained. The refuge has received 150 animals in just the past few days.
Workplace Adjustments
The Labour Ministry in Spain is keeping a close watch on companies to ensure they comply with laws that permit workers to modify their work hours during orange or red weather alerts. Workers are also eligible for up to four paid leave days if they cannot reach their workplaces due to the weather conditions.
A severe heatwave has resulted in the loss of three lives in France and has led to the closure or schedule alteration of nearly 2,700 schools. This comes as warnings of scorching temperatures are being announced throughout Europe.
Record-Breaking Temperatures in France
The southwestern city of Bordeaux in France is expected to see the mercury rise above 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The national weather body has issued a red alert for heatwave conditions in 49 regions.
The French Health Minister has warned that the country is likely to experience days of intense heat, with no clear indications of when the temperatures will start to reduce.
Three senior citizens, aged between 80 and 95, sadly passed away over the weekend in the Bordeaux area due to health complications related to the ongoing heatwave, a local government official confirmed.
Heatwave Hits Spain
Meanwhile, in Spain, the national weather agency issued a red alert for the Basque country, located in the typically cooler north. In the city of San Sebastian, temperatures are expected to soar to 40C, which is more than double the historical average for this time of the year.
San Sebastian is predicted to be hotter than the southern cities of Seville and Cordoba, which usually record the country's highest summertime temperatures.
"We are seeing temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees above normal for this time of year, and in some northern areas even more than 10 degrees above average," a spokesperson for the weather agency stated.
Little Respite in the Evening
Nights are offering little relief from the heat in certain parts of Spain, with temperatures not dipping below 25C or even 30C in areas like the southwestern province of Almeria.
On Monday, Europe was the farthest from its historical average temperature, with an average high of 24C, which is 4.1C above the usual range from 1961-1990. In comparison, Asia and North America were 2C and 1.3C above the historical average, respectively.
Impact on Wildlife
Northern European wildlife shelters are struggling to deal with the influx of animals suffering from the heat. Birds like swifts, swallows, sparrows and starlings, which build their nests in roof eaves, are particularly affected by the unusually high temperatures, according to a biologist and founder of a wildlife refuge in Belgium.
Roof temperatures can sometimes reach 50 or even 60 degrees Celsius, causing the birds to jump from their nests to avoid death by heat, the biologist explained. The refuge has received 150 animals in just the past few days.
Workplace Adjustments
The Labour Ministry in Spain is keeping a close watch on companies to ensure they comply with laws that permit workers to modify their work hours during orange or red weather alerts. Workers are also eligible for up to four paid leave days if they cannot reach their workplaces due to the weather conditions.