Record-breaking heatwave sweeps Europe, straining infrastructure

A record-breaking heatwave is sweeping across Europe, disrupting daily life, straining infrastructure and prompting health warnings as temperatures climb above 40 degrees Celsius in several countries.

France, the United Kingdom and Spain all reported unprecedented heat this week, while authorities issued red alerts across parts of Western and Southern Europe. Schools, tourist attractions and transport services have faced disruptions as tens of millions of people grapple with soaring temperatures.

France recorded its hottest day ever on a national scale on Tuesday, according to weather agency Météo-France. Temperatures reached 44.3 degrees Celsius in the southwestern town of Pissos, while many cities reported record highs. On Wednesday, France's national temperature indicator – an average of day and night temperatures measured across multiple locations – reached 30 degrees Celsius, the highest level since records began in 1947.

The heatwave has also pushed temperatures to record levels elsewhere. The UK recorded its hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 36.1 degrees Celsius in Gosport, Hampshire. Spain's weather agency said the country's daily average temperature exceeded 28 degrees Celsius on both Monday and Tuesday, the highest numbers ever recorded for June.

The extreme heat has triggered widespread safety measures. More than 1,000 schools in parts of the UK were closed or operating on reduced schedules, while Paris landmarks, including the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower, shortened opening hours. Authorities in several countries have warned of elevated wildfire risks and urged residents to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.

The heat has also taken a human toll. French authorities reported dozens of drowning deaths in recent days as people sought relief from the heat in rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Germany has also reported heat-related drowning incidents.

Critical infrastructure across Europe is showing signs of strain under the prolonged high temperatures.

In France, around 68,000 households lost electricity after a heat-related transformer failure in the western Finistère region. In Italy, local utilities reported repeated power outages linked to surging demand for air conditioning and cooling systems.

Transport networks have also been affected. In Germany, a heat-related cable fire disrupted rail traffic between Frankfurt and Giessen, while authorities reported damage to tram infrastructure caused by extreme temperatures. Belgium's railway operator reduced services and imposed speed restrictions on some lines because of concerns that intense heat could affect overhead power systems.

Meanwhile, falling water levels on the Rhine River, one of Europe's most important commercial waterways, have forced some vessels to reduce cargo loads, adding pressure to regional freight transport.

Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense. According to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe is warming at roughly twice the global average rate.

Forecasters expect temperatures to ease in parts of France later this week, but the heatwave is forecast to spread further into Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and parts of Eastern Europe in the coming days.