Record-Breaking Heatwave Hits Europe, Marking Highest Temperatures in 152 Years

[Anchor]

A record-breaking heatwave striking Central Europe is spreading in all directions. As scorching temperatures hovering around 40°C (104°F) continue even in Northern Europe, water cannons have been deployed to combat the heat.

Reporter Kim Young-a has the story.

[Reporter]

Water cannons have appeared at Potsdamer Platz, a famous landmark in Berlin, Germany.

While typically used for crowd control during protests, they are being used to combat the heatwave today (June 28).

[Thank you.]

Citizens, dressed in light clothing, jump into the water jets to cool off.

In Prague, Czech Republic, trucks are driving through the city all day spraying water, while in Hungary, artificial mist has been set up in the square in front of the parliament in the capital, Budapest.

The city of Paris, France, has opened parts of its canals as swimming areas and installed heat shelters throughout the city.

This decision was made because the air conditioning penetration rate in residential homes is only in the 20 percent range, making it difficult for many residents to endure the heat indoors.

[Françoise Vernot / Resident of Paris 18th Arrondissement: I live in an attic. It is 33°C (91°F) inside my home, so it is difficult.]

Due to the record-breaking heatwave, all-time high temperature records are being shattered across Europe.

On June 27 (local time), the mercury soared to 41.5°C (107°F) in Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The Czech Republic in Eastern Europe recorded 40.6°C (105°F), and Switzerland, known for the Alps, reached 39°C (102°F), marking their highest temperatures ever.

In the Northern European country of Denmark, the mercury climbed to 37°C (99°F), setting a new record for the highest temperature in 152 years.

AFP reported that 193 million people across Europe are exposed to extreme heat of 35°C (95°F) or higher.

This heatwave is caused by a heat dome phenomenon, where hot air flowing in from Northern Africa is trapped over Europe.

The World Meteorological Organization forecasts that this heat dome will pass through Central Europe, strike Eastern Europe, and then move toward the Balkan Peninsula, where countries like Bulgaria and Greece are located.

(Video Editing: Lee Seung-yeol)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.