Due to the current heat wave in Europe, a heat warning is in effect for large parts of Germany on Tuesday. As the German Weather Service (DWD) announced on its website Tuesday morning, the heat warning applies west of a line roughly between Bremen in northern Germany and Rosenheim in southern Bavaria. Meteorologists warned of "extreme heat" for the far west of the country and the Upper Rhine region.
In neighboring France, authorities expect the heat wave to peak on Tuesday. The highest red alert level was in effect for 16 departments, including the populous capital Paris. According to the weather agency Météo France, the second-highest warning level was in effect for 68 of the 96 departments on the French mainland. Temperatures in France are currently lower only along the English Channel and on the border with Belgium.
According to Météo France, temperatures in France will not fall below 20 degrees Celsius anywhere, even at night. Highs of 36 to 40 degrees Celsius are forecast, with some even reaching 41 degrees Celsius. "The red alert corresponds to an extreme heat wave that is exceptional in its duration, intensity, and geographical extent," the weather service explained. It also has "significant health impacts on the entire population."
For Paris, this is the first time in five years that the highest heat warning level has been declared. Traffic restrictions have been imposed in the greater Paris area. Due to the heat-related high ozone levels, only vehicles with the lowest emissions are allowed to travel in Paris and its suburbs until midnight. Furthermore, as on Monday, the speed limit will be reduced by 20 kilometers per hour, police announced.
The Eiffel Tower, arguably the city's most famous landmark, will remain closed to visitors until Wednesday due to the heat. The first and second floors of the 330-meter-high structure will remain accessible. However, operators warned: "Remember to protect yourself from the sun and drink plenty of fluids." Drinking fountains will be available for visitors waiting in line along the way to the Eiffel Tower.
The Ministry of Education expected that nearly 1,350 schools would remain "fully or partially" closed. In France, the summer holidays begin next Saturday. The current heat wave is also affecting other Mediterranean countries. Spain reported a new June heat record on Monday with 46 degrees Celsius in Huelva, while in Mora, Portugal, the thermometer even climbed to 46.6 degrees.
In Portugal, however, the situation is expected to ease slightly on Tuesday. In all but eight regions, only the second-highest heat warning level, orange, is expected. However, temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in Castel Branco in the center of the country, as well as in Beja and Évora, and as high as 34 degrees Celsius in the capital, Lisbon.
In Italy, the highest heat warning level is in effect for 18 cities, including Rome, Milan, Verona, and Palermo. Authorities in Croatia and Montenegro are also warning people of extreme heat. In Turkey, more than 50,000 people were evacuated from forest and bush fires by Monday, particularly in the western province of Izmir. Greece is also battling forest fires.
The elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, which can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke. As Europe faces soaring temperatures, it's crucial to take precautions. Read our expert tips on staying safe, hydrated, and cool during the heat wave.
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