Forecasts indicate that unusually high temperatures will persist until the end of July. Accordingly, Europe – the region with the fastest warming rate in the world – is undergoing the first test of this summer.
The prolonged heatwave is putting Europe's power grid to a severe test, while demand for electricity for cooling devices is expected to reach record levels. The heat and drought conditions are also drying up the land and vegetation, threatening crops and increasing the risk of wildfires in France and Spain.
Notably, in France, temperature records were broken in many cities on June 21st, with the highest temperature recorded that day reaching 42.2 degrees Celsius. French authorities issued a red alert for 49 regions, including the capital Paris and much of the West and Southwest, and closed schools. Spain was forced to cancel a live World Cup viewing event.
According to the UK's national meteorological agency, the Met Office, monthly temperature records could be set this week.
RG
