Western Europe is suffering from the extreme heatwave known as ‘Omega’, which has led to dozens of deaths, record-breaking temperatures and power cuts. The authorities are closing schools and museums and restricting transport.
- Western Europe has been hit by a record-breaking heatwave known as ‘Omega’.
- In the UK, the temperature reached +36.1°C.
- In France, temperatures of +40.9°C were recorded in Paris and +44.3°C in the south-west.
- The heatwave has already claimed the lives of at least 48 people in France.
- France’s power system has reduced electricity generation by 7%.
Temperature records across Europe
Western Europe has been affected by the so-called «Omega block» — an atmospheric phenomenon that traps hot air over a single region for an extended period. The UK recorded its highest ever temperature for the month of June — +36.1°C. The previous record, set back in 1957, stood at +35.6°C.
In France, the temperature in Paris reached +40.9°C, whilst the day before the country experienced its hottest day in nearly 80 years of weather records — in the town of Pissos, the temperature soared to +44.3°C. In Italy, the highest heatwave alert was issued in 16 major cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin and Verona.
Dozens of casualties and power cuts
According to the French authorities, at least 48 people have died since the heatwave began whilst trying to cool off in bodies of water. Two more young children died of heatstroke after being left in a locked car. In Spain, two elderly people were reported to have died of heatstroke following several days of temperatures exceeding +40°C.
Heatwave It also affected France’s energy system. As a result of the rivers warming up, nuclear power stations were forced to reduce electricity generation by approximately 7% of total demand, as warm water makes it more difficult to cool the reactors.
Museums, schools and public transport are closed
Almost all countries in Western Europe are feeling the effects of the unusual weather. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was closed earlier than usual and The Louvre, whilst the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London was cut short due to the risk to military personnel. In the UK, hundreds of schools have temporarily suspended lessons or reduced the number of lessons, whilst rail companies have imposed speed restrictions on trains due to overheating of the tracks.
In the Netherlands, outdoor sporting events have been cancelled, public transport has been partially restricted, and the school day has been shortened. In Italy, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence has temporarily suspended ticket sales due to a fault with the air-conditioning systems.
What is «Omega-blocking»?
Meteorologists explain that the extreme heat is due to an atmospheric phenomenon known as the Omega Block. This occurs when a powerful high-pressure system «blocks» air circulation for an extended period, trapping a mass of hot air over a single region. As a result, temperatures can exceed the climatic norm by 15–18°C. Experts from the World Meteorological Organisation note that Europe is warming at more than twice the global average rate, so heatwaves like this will become increasingly frequent and intense.
