Germany braces for temperatures 'well over 40C' as Europe heatwave pushes east
Germany recorded a provisional all-time high of 41.3°C near Saarbrücken, and the heatwave continues to spread into central and eastern Europe. The UK sees some relief after a record-breaking week, while France faces multiple heat-related deaths.
Europe's intense heatwave is shifting eastward after scorching western regions. Germany recorded its highest ever temperature provisionally on Saturday with 41.3°C near the city of Saarbrücken close to the French border. Forecasters say the hottest conditions are now moving into central and eastern Europe, including Poland and the Balkans, over the weekend.
The Ironman European Championship scheduled for Sunday in Frankfurt has adapted to extreme conditions, with organizers shortening both the cycling and running courses. Karsten Brandt, a meteorologist at weather forecasting site Donnerwetter.de, told Reuters that the heatwave will peak at the weekend, with temperatures well over 40°C in some parts of Germany.
France has borne the brunt of the heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several regions. Sweltering conditions have contributed to a growing number of heat-related fatalities in recent days, including dozens of drownings as people sought relief from the heat, as well as deaths from being left in hot vehicles or from heat stress.
The Pride march scheduled for Paris over the weekend was postponed after police asked organizers to move the event to ease pressure on emergency services responding to the heatwave. In contrast, organizers of the Budapest Pride march say the event will go ahead as planned despite temperatures forecast to reach 38°C. They say the march sends a message to Hungary's new government after last year's ban under former leader Viktor Orbán, underscoring continued public support for LGBTQ+ rights.
The UK provisionally broke its June temperature record for a third consecutive day on Friday, with 37.3°C reached at Santon Downham in Suffolk. Until this week, the June record was 35.6°C from 1976. Andy Page, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said the UK will see a gradual shift in conditions over the weekend, with southeast England holding on to the warmest weather the longest. An amber extreme heat warning remains in place for much of Saturday, though temperatures are expected to peak in the low 30s.
