A scorching heatwave in Spain has been connected to the unfortunate deaths of 213 individuals between Monday and Wednesday this week. Europe is currently facing one of the most severe heatwaves in recent memory, marked by unprecedented temperatures, maximum alerts, and significant repercussions in multiple countries.
Data provided by the Daily Mortality Monitoring System (MoMo) of the Carlos III Health Institute in Madrid reveals that Spain witnessed 213 fatalities during the mentioned period. The MoMo system monitors daily death statistics in Spain and evaluates mortality changes by comparing them against expected levels derived from historical data.
The onset of summer in Spain brought alerts across the country, with temperatures forecasted to reach around 40C, even in the typically cooler interior regions like the Basque Country. Outdoor activities were halted in the Basque Country to mitigate risks.
France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland experienced exceptionally high temperatures for June this week, some of which have not been recorded since meteorological records began. The relentless heat is putting a strain on infrastructure, public services, and transportation systems throughout the continent, as nations grapple with extreme temperatures around the clock.
In France, temperature records for June were shattered, with readings surpassing 40C in various regions. Belgium also witnessed record-breaking temperatures, hitting 35.1C on Wednesday, the highest ever for June 24th. Meanwhile, the UK saw its hottest June day on record as temperatures soared to 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, with forecasts predicting even higher temperatures in certain areas.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency Aemet declared the end of the country’s heatwave today, as temperatures began to decline due to the arrival of a cooler Atlantic air mass from the west. Despite this, six communities remain on yellow alert for heat, with additional alerts in other regions for rain and hail.
