A heatwave hit Western Europe on Sunday, with daytime temperatures exceeding 35°C in many cities.
In the Spanish town of El Granado, near the border with Portugal, temperatures reached 46°C, a record high for June in Spain since records began.
In London, temperatures are forecast to reach +35 °C on Monday afternoon, the highest since the beginning of the year. On the same day, the Wimbledon tennis tournament opens in the British capital. A new record for the hottest first day at Wimbledon, and possibly in its entire history, is expected.
Temperatures of around +30 °C and above have also been recorded in Germany. Based on the results for February to May this year, the German Meteorological Service said that the country had experienced the worst drought in recorded history, i.e. since 1881. The level of the Rhine fell to its lowest point in 100 years. At the beginning of June, there was rain in Germany, but now the drought may return due to the heat.
“There has been almost no rain in the last few days. It will remain dry and very hot. Therefore, the drought will continue to intensify. This could be a very hot and dry summer,” meteorologist Dominika Jung said. Some areas of Germany have already introduced a ban on watering during the daytime.
The heatwave in Western Europe will continue until at least July 2, after which it is expected to move eastwards. According to forecasts, rain is possible in Germany after July 3.
Forest fires broke out in the historic Languedoc region in southern France on Sunday. The former Fonfroide Abbey was evacuated. Due to the fire, the motorway between Toulouse and Narbonne was closed in both directions. The French government convened an emergency meeting on Sunday evening due to the heat. Schools are being closed in some areas. Temperatures above 35°C are expected in Paris in the coming days.
