Europe swelters under severe heatwave as temperatures soar above 40°C
A severe heatwave is gripping much of Europe, with record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40°C reported in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Germany. The extreme heat has forced authorities to issue multiple heat alerts, close tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower, and led to health warnings amid soaring hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses. Work bans for outdoor labourers and restrictions on water use have been introduced in some regions, while fire risks soar.
Experts link the heatwave’s intensity to climate change, warning that such extreme events will become increasingly frequent without urgent global climate action. The World Meteorological Organisation has called for accelerated efforts to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.
🔁 Reactions:
- EU Climate Commissioner: “This heatwave is a stark warning on climate urgency.”
- Spanish Health Ministry: “Stay hydrated and avoid outdoor exposure during peak hours.”
- Public (viral tweet): > “Europe is melting, this is not normal summer weather.”
📰 Media Bias & Framing:
- Euronews focuses on the immediate human and infrastructural impacts with a scientific context.
- The Guardian highlights climate change links and government responses, emphasising public health concerns.
- Daily Mail uses sensational headlines and vivid imagery to underscore the extremity and public anxiety.
📊 Sentiment: Negative. The coverage reflects concern and urgency about health risks, climate change, and societal impacts of the unprecedented heatwave.