25/06/2026 21:35 - Internacionales
A devastating heatwave is breaking all historical records for June across Europe. From the United Kingdom to Italy, nations face a dual crisis impacting public health and infrastructure, demonstrating the real-time effects of climate change.
The Met Office confirmed a new historic record: 36.4°C in Yeovilton, Somerset, breaking the record of 36.1°C set just one day earlier in Gosport, Hampshire.
London Ambulance Service handled 642 category 1 emergencies (the most critical) on Wednesday alone—the highest number ever recorded—plus 7,900 total calls.
Hospitals declared critical incidents: MRI and radiotherapy machines failed due to heat, cooling systems collapsed, and elderly patients endured temperatures up to 35°C in wards without air conditioning.
44 million people are under red alert from a total population of 67 million. Temperatures are exceeding 40°C across multiple regions.
Paris mayor reported an "increase in mortality" due to the heatwave. Many French buildings lack air conditioning and feature large windows without external shutters.
EDF shut down two nuclear reactors at Nogent-sur-Seine and Bugey as an environmental protection measure, to avoid discharging water that is too hot into rivers.
3,500 schools closed and 10,000 more reduced their schedules due to classroom temperatures reaching 40°C.
The mortality monitoring system estimates 212 heat-related premature deaths over the past four days.
Temperatures are reaching 42°C in some regions, with nighttime temperatures not dropping below 30°C.
This heatwave is breaking last year's records, becoming the hottest June since 1950.
France: Teachers' unions called for strikes over "unacceptable" conditions. Classroom temperatures reach up to 40°C, with no preparation for extreme heat.
United Kingdom: University College London cancelled open days scheduled for Friday and Saturday, affecting thousands of prospective students.
Germany: Outdoor events cancelled due to temperatures expected to exceed 40°C during the weekend.
Germany: Deutsche Bahn allowed passengers to cancel trips at no cost from June 25-30 due to extreme heat.
United Kingdom: A temporary hosepipe ban was imposed due to water supply stress.
Netherlands: Issued its first-ever red heat alert in history, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C.
101 million Europeans are experiencing temperatures above 35°C on this historic day.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan launched the city's first heat action plan: "Extreme temperatures are no longer a future threat—they are a present danger." The plan includes retrofitting homes at risk of overheating, planting more trees, and ensuring safe water access.
A 2025 study found that the number of UK households reporting summer overheating quadrupled to 80% over a decade.
Climate Context: Scientists estimate current extreme temperatures in Europe are 2°C to 4°C higher due to carbon pollution from fossil fuels. The UK Health Security Agency reported that more than 10,000 people died from heatwaves between 2020 and 2024.
Source: The Guardian
Alfredo S. Quiroga
