Europe Trapped in 'Omega Heat Dome'... Damage Mounts Amid Record-Breaking June Heatwave

On Wednesday, June 24 local time, record-breaking heatwaves continued across Europe, leaving dozens dead and causing widespread damage, including massive power outages, train cancellations, school closures, and shortened business hours.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), warned of the health risks posed by the heatwave and urged European authorities to invest in health systems to respond to the climate crisis.

In France, after June 23 was recorded as the hottest day in history since weather observations began in 1947, temperatures were forecast to rise to 39°C to 41°C (102°F to 106°F) on June 24.

Reuters news agency, citing authorities, reported that at least 48 people have died in France in connection with the heatwave, including drownings.

In Spain, where maximum temperatures have risen above 40°C (104°F) since last weekend, two elderly people died of heat-related illnesses.

In France, the southwestern town of Pissos recorded a high of 44.3°C (112°F) on June 23, and later that afternoon, a substation in the northwest overheated and shut down, cutting power to 68,000 households.

French authorities estimated that up to 106,000 households nationwide suffered power outages as of the previous night.

Although recovery teams worked through the night, AFP reported that the power grid is expected to be fully restored no earlier than midnight on June 25.

AFP estimated that 44 million out of France's population of 67 million are under the influence of the red heatwave warning.

Citing data from the German Meteorological Service and the European Union (EU) Joint Research Centre, AFP also released estimates that the population experiencing high temperatures above 35°C (95°F) in Europe will exceed 94 million, and those experiencing temperatures above 30°C (86°F) will surpass 350 million.

In the United Kingdom, a red warning, the highest level of heatwave alert, was issued for large parts of England and Wales starting on the morning of June 24.

The Met Office extended the end time of the warning by three hours from its original schedule, pushing it to 11:59 p.m. on June 25.

The BBC reported that around 1,100 schools in England and Wales have closed or shortened their classes.

Major railway companies canceled numerous train services due to speed restrictions caused by the high temperatures and asked passengers to refrain from non-essential travel.

The Eiffel Tower, a major tourist attraction in Paris, France, had previously announced an early closure, while Buckingham Palace in London, UK, scaled back the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is popular among tourists.

A shortage of cooling appliances is also occurring across France.

Major retailer Carrefour sold about 30,000 fans and air conditioners on June 22 alone, and last week's sales of cooling appliances in France by Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce company, doubled compared to the same period last year.

The Italian Ministry of Health convened an emergency meeting on June 24 to respond to the heatwave, according to the local ANSA news agency.

The authorities plan to establish clear guidelines for action to reduce damage from the heatwave and do their best to protect vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and children.

On this day, red heatwave warnings were issued for 16 Italian cities, including Rome and Milan.

Temperatures in Florence were forecast to rise to 41°C (106°F), and Milan to 38°C (100°F).

Authorities expect the heatwave to continue on June 25, with the number of cities under red warnings increasing to a total of 17.

Heatwave warnings are divided into Level 1 yellow warnings, Level 2 orange warnings, and the highest Level 3 red warnings, depending on the severity of the heat.

At the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, ticket sales were temporarily suspended after the air conditioning system broke down due to the high temperatures.

In Belgium, an orange heatwave warning was issued nationwide as temperatures were expected to rise up to 37°C (99°F) on the afternoon of June 24.

The Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium stated that temperatures on this day, which soared to around 35°C (95°F) in most areas, were the highest for any June 24 since weather observations began in 1833.

As the heat intensified, the Atomium, a famous stainless-steel landmark in Brussels, also closed early.

In various parts of the Netherlands, where heatwave warnings were in effect, outdoor sports events were canceled, public transportation services were reduced, and schools held shortened classes.

Poland has issued heatwave warnings for June 25 to 27, with temperatures expected to break the record of 40.2°C (104°F) set in 1921.

Croatia plans to issue red warnings for June 26 to 27, while Hungary will issue warnings for June 27 to 30.

According to Reuters Climate Monitor, temperatures across Europe are as much as 18°C (32°F) higher than usual.

Reuters and The Telegraph reported that this European heatwave is caused by an "Omega block" heat dome phenomenon.

Like the Greek letter Omega, high pressure is positioned in the center with low pressure on both sides, stalling the jet stream.

This means that heat rising from the Sahara Desert is currently trapped in the atmosphere over Western Europe.

The WHO urged countries to take emergency action, warning that the increasing intensity of heatwaves is posing a greater threat to human lives than in the past.

WHO Director-General Tedros pointed out on X (formerly Twitter) that "The data is clear. European temperatures are rising at about twice the global average rate, and the likelihood and severity of extreme heat are increasing."

Tedros emphasized, "We cannot delay any further. Leaders must prioritize investment in climate-resilient health systems, accelerate climate action, and mitigate the drivers of the climate crisis."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.