Europe, as per a recent report, is increasingly facing bouts of heat so intense that the human body is unable to cope, and subsequently, deaths related to heat have increased by 30 per cent in the last 20 years.

On Monday (Apr 22), the EU's Copernicus climate monitoring service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted that extreme heat poses particular health risks to outdoor workers, the elderly, and people with existing conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

<h2>Last year's extreme heatwave</h2>

In its report, Copernicus and WMO noted that in 2023, heatwaves pushed almost half — 41 per cent — of Southern Europe into strong, very strong or extreme heat stress. This, AFP reports, was the biggest area of Europe under such conditions in any day on record.

Last year, as far as the records go, was the hottest year globally, and Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/tiny-moon-big-ocean-this-is-how-a-huge-ocean-was-created-on-saturns-death-star-moon-mimas-712562">Tiny moon, big ocean: THIS is how a huge ocean was created on Saturn's 'Death Star' moon Mimas</a>

In July 2023, parts of Italy recorded a seven per cent increase in deaths. The victims included a 44-year-old man who, while painting road markings in the northern town of Lodi, collapsed and died.

<h2>'Feels like' temperature</h2>

Last year, parts of Spain, France, Italy, and Greece experienced up to ten days of extreme heat stress. This, as per AFP, is defined as "feels like" temperature of more than 46 degrees Celsius, at which point immediate action must be taken to avoid heat stroke and other health issues.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-mp-responds-to-musks-global-censorship-remark-calls-x-a-factory-for-trolls-and-misinformation-713688">Australian MP responds to Musk's 'global censorship' remark, calls X a 'factory for trolls and misinformation'</a>

Heat stress measures the environment's impact on the human body, combining factors like temperature, humidity, and the body's response to establish&nbsp;"feels like" temperature.

As per researchers, the extreme heat was majorly fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions, the El Niño weather pattern also played a role.

Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said, "Some of the events of 2023 took the scientific community by surprise because of their intensity, their speed of onset, extent, and duration".

Last month, the EU's environment agency urged governments to prepare healthcare systems for climate change and called for EU rules to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Europe, as per a recent report, is increasingly facing bouts of heat so intense that the human body is unable to cope, and subsequently, deaths related to heat have increased by 30 per cent in the last 20 years.

Europe, as per a recent report, is increasingly facing bouts of heat so intense that the human body is unable to cope, and subsequently, deaths related to heat have increased by 30 per cent in the last 20 years. On Monday (Apr 22), the EU's Copernicus climate monitoring service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) noted that extreme heat poses particular health risks to outdoor workers, the elderly, and people with existing conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Last year's extreme heatwave In its report, Copernicus and WMO noted that in 2023, heatwaves pushed almost half — 41 per cent — of Southern Europe into strong, very strong or extreme heat stress. This, AFP reports, was the biggest area of Europe under such conditions in any day on record. Last year, as far as the records go, was the hottest year globally, and Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent. Also read | Tiny moon, big ocean: THIS is how a huge ocean was created on Saturn's 'Death Star' moon Mimas In July 2023, parts of Italy recorded a seven per cent increase in deaths. The victims included a 44-year-old man who, while painting road markings in the northern town of Lodi, collapsed and died. 'Feels like' temperature Last year, parts of Spain, France, Italy, and Greece experienced up to ten days of extreme heat stress. This, as per AFP, is defined as "feels like" temperature of more than 46 degrees Celsius, at which point immediate action must be taken to avoid heat stroke and other health issues. Also read | Australian MP responds to Musk's 'global censorship' remark, calls X a 'factory for trolls and misinformation' Heat stress measures the environment's impact on the human body, combining factors like temperature, humidity, and the body's response to establish "feels like" temperature. As per researchers, the extreme heat was majorly fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions, the El Niño weather pattern also played a role. Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said, "Some of the events of 2023 took the scientific community by surprise because of their intensity, their speed of onset, extent, and duration". Last month, the EU's environment agency urged governments to prepare healthcare systems for climate change and called for EU rules to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat. (With inputs from agencies)

Deaths due to heat at all-time high; heatwaves in Europe linked to 30% increase in fatalities

Europe is facing record-breaking temperatures due to the Cerberus heatwave which is showing no signs of abating. According to media reports on Sunday (July 16), southern and eastern Europe will continue to swelter.

Europe is facing record-breaking temperatures due to the Cerberus heatwave which is showing no signs of abating. According to media reports on Sunday (July 16), southern and eastern Europe will continue to swelter. For several days, Italy, Spain and Greece have been experiencing high temperatures. On the other hand, Croatia, France and Turkey could also face temperatures of around 40°C, a report by Euronews.green said. The European Space Agency (ESA) is tracking Cerberus. The ESA had earlier warned that the heatwave would also be felt in parts of northern Europe. What is Cerberus? The Euronews.green report said that extreme temperatures have hit Europe this year as the world swelters through the El Nino pattern. However, the latest spike (in temperatures) has been due to the Cerberus heatwave. The Italian Meteorological Society named the heatwave after the mythical monster, Cerberus. The report said that the extreme heatwave driven by Cerberus is forecast to hit the Mediterranean for around two weeks. The affected regions In Italy, the health ministry issued a red alert for 16 cities, including the capital Rome, Bologna and France for the weekend. Citing local media, a report by BBC on Sunday said the heatwave is expected to continue the next week with 48°C possible in Sardinia - a temperature that would fall short of a European record high of 48.8°C recorded in Sicily in August 2021. According to the Italian weather service, Sardinia would be at the epicentre of the upcoming heatwave. Speaking to BBC, Italian meteorologist Giulio Betti said that temperatures would reach a peak between 19 and 23 July - not only in Italy but also in Greece, Turkey and the Balkans. "Several local heat records within these areas may well be broken during those days," Betti added. In Spain, the country's weather service said that temperatures could potentially hit 45°C in the southeastern areas of the Iberian Peninsula, which are under an alert for extreme heat. Meanwhile, in Greece, a heatwave is forecast to reach up to 44°C in some parts of the country, the Euronews.green report said. Authorities banned access to nature reserves and forests to reduce the risk of wildfires, while municipalities opened air-conditioned areas in public buildings for people to shelter from the heat, the report added. Will the heatwave end soon? Spain's weather service said that on Wednesday, temperatures are expected to drop overall with the arrival of cool winds from the north and east. And a report by Sky News on Saturday said that while some relief is there in the coming days for the Iberian Peninsula, other European countries will sweat through the weekend. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

What is the Cerberus heatwave which is boiling Europe?

As Europe faces unprecedented droughts and heatwaves, French President Emmanuel Macron warned&nbsp;the country was facing a "tipping point" with "a series of crises each more serious than the other".

"I believe that we are in the process of living through a tipping point or great upheaval. Firstly, because we are living through what could seem like the end of abundance," the French president said during a cabinet meeting.

Also Read:&nbsp;Raging wildfires force evacuation of animals from French zoo

Last week, French authorities warned of flash floods after rainstorm ripped through large parts of the country. Officials raised red alerts in several areas along the Mediterranean coast and around the southeastern city of Lyon, including Normandy, as heavy storms led to waterlogging.

Watch:&nbsp;Sea level rise threatens land &amp; livelihood in Spain's Ebro Delta

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France has faced extreme weather this summer with intense heat and drought as the country recorded the driest month since 1961 in July. The country was also hit with heatwaves and several forest fires. The southern Aveyron region experienced raging fires as several people were evacuated.

"This overview that I'm giving the end of abundance, the end of insouciance, the end of assumptions —&nbsp;it's ultimately a tipping point that we are going through that can lead our citizens to feel a lot of anxiety," Macron said, adding, "Faced with this, we have duties, the first of which is to speak frankly and very clearly, without doom-mongering."

Reports claim at least twenty fires had broken out in the seaside resort of Soulac-sur-Mer in southwest France with large areas destroyed as authorities tracked the fires by air and land.

Reports said 6,200 hectares of forest burned down in just &nbsp;24 hours which was later brought under control as firefighter&nbsp;planes and helicopters were pressed into service.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

As Europe faces unprecedented droughts and heatwaves, French President Emmanuel Macron warned the country was facing a "tipping point" with "a series of crises each more serious than the other".

As Europe faces unprecedented droughts and heatwaves, French President Emmanuel Macron warned the country was facing a "tipping point" with "a series of crises each more serious than the other". "I believe that we are in the process of living through a tipping point or great upheaval. Firstly, because we are living through what could seem like the end of abundance," the French president said during a cabinet meeting. Also Read: Raging wildfires force evacuation of animals from French zoo Last week, French authorities warned of flash floods after rainstorm ripped through large parts of the country. Officials raised red alerts in several areas along the Mediterranean coast and around the southeastern city of Lyon, including Normandy, as heavy storms led to waterlogging. Watch: Sea level rise threatens land & livelihood in Spain's Ebro Delta France has faced extreme weather this summer with intense heat and drought as the country recorded the driest month since 1961 in July. The country was also hit with heatwaves and several forest fires. The southern Aveyron region experienced raging fires as several people were evacuated. "This overview that I'm giving the end of abundance, the end of insouciance, the end of assumptions — it's ultimately a tipping point that we are going through that can lead our citizens to feel a lot of anxiety," Macron said, adding, "Faced with this, we have duties, the first of which is to speak frankly and very clearly, without doom-mongering." Reports claim at least twenty fires had broken out in the seaside resort of Soulac-sur-Mer in southwest France with large areas destroyed as authorities tracked the fires by air and land. Reports said 6,200 hectares of forest burned down in just 24 hours which was later brought under control as firefighter planes and helicopters were pressed into service. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Living through a tipping point or great upheaval, says French President Macron

According to reports, transport prices have shot up as drought and hot weather have affected water levels in the river Rhine in Germany leading cargo vessels to reduce loads during transportation.

Reports claim shallow waters have&nbsp;hit shipping in Germany&nbsp;with some vessels sailing at just 25 per cent capacity. German firefighters last week battled intense wildfires in eastern Germany as Europe reported record heat levels.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-climate-change-drives-heatwaves-and-wildfires-500655">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How climate change drives heatwaves and wildfires</a>

According to a study, climate change has cost Germany $147 billion between 2000 and 2021 with the most damage occurring in the last few years. Rhineland was hit by deadly floods last year as the study showed abnormally hot and dry summers in 2018 and 2019. At least 180 were killed as a result of flash floods a year ago, however, this year Germany has experienced extreme weather with temperatures going up to 40 degrees Celsius.

Watch:&nbsp;Europe bakes in third&nbsp;heatwave since June

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Parts of Germany experienced surging heat&nbsp;in June as European nations sizzled under abnormally hot conditions.&nbsp;Last year, Europe witnessed the hottest summer on record.

River Rhine, which runs along the France-Germany border, has been hit by weather changes as&nbsp;reports indicate&nbsp;cargo ships taking up lesser loads to avoid hitting the bottom of the river due to low water level. France has also been hit by drought amid the heatwave, affecting fishermen and boat owners.

(With inputs from agencies)

(WATCH WION LIVE HERE)

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According to reports, transport prices have shot up as drought and hot weather have affected water levels in the river Rhine in Germany leading cargo vessels to reduce loads during transportation.

According to reports, transport prices have shot up as drought and hot weather have affected water levels in the river Rhine in Germany leading cargo vessels to reduce loads during transportation. Reports claim shallow waters have hit shipping in Germany with some vessels sailing at just 25 per cent capacity. German firefighters last week battled intense wildfires in eastern Germany as Europe reported record heat levels. Also Read in Pics: How climate change drives heatwaves and wildfires According to a study, climate change has cost Germany $147 billion between 2000 and 2021 with the most damage occurring in the last few years. Rhineland was hit by deadly floods last year as the study showed abnormally hot and dry summers in 2018 and 2019. At least 180 were killed as a result of flash floods a year ago, however, this year Germany has experienced extreme weather with temperatures going up to 40 degrees Celsius. Watch: Europe bakes in third heatwave since June Parts of Germany experienced surging heat in June as European nations sizzled under abnormally hot conditions. Last year, Europe witnessed the hottest summer on record. River Rhine, which runs along the France-Germany border, has been hit by weather changes as reports indicate cargo ships taking up lesser loads to avoid hitting the bottom of the river due to low water level. France has also been hit by drought amid the heatwave, affecting fishermen and boat owners. (With inputs from agencies) (WATCH WION LIVE HERE)

Rhine river hit by drought conditions, hampers German cargo shipping

Reports claim drought and heatwave in Europe could reduce crop yield in Europe this year as the war in Ukraine continues to stress food supplies.

The JRC Mars bulletin which monitors crop production in Europe in its latest report said yield forecasts for grain maize, sunflowers and soybeans were "markedly reduced"&nbsp;due to extremely hot and dry conditions in several regions of Europe with summer crops being affected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last month the JRC Mars bulletin crop monitoring in Europe said yield of&nbsp;soft wheat, durum wheat and winter barley are currently below the five-year average with maize, rapeseed and sunflower also at a low but just above the five-year average.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-power-station-captured-in-ukraine-amid-movement-in-grain-exports-501311">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia claims power station captured in Ukraine amid movement in grain exports</a>

The publication said the reduced yield was due to "drier-than-usual conditions in large parts of Europe" with the Baltic sea region affected by "persistently colder-than-usual weather". The report noted that the sowing of rice was accomplished without major constraints however it was in an area which was nearly seven per cent smaller than last year due to the unavailability of water.

The Mars bulletin said durum wheat has been revised sharply downwards with almost five per cent below EU levels and soft wheat revised downward in 13 of the 25 EU wheat-producing countries mostly in Hungary, Romania, Poland, and France.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine to begin grain shipments from Black Sea Port

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The report comes as Ukraine recently concluded a deal with Russia on the export of wheat and another gain from the Black Sea ports. Ukraine said at least 25 million tonnes of grain worth $10 billion is locked up in Black Sea port ever since President Vladimir Putin announced the "special military operation" against Ukraine.&nbsp;

Ukraine said there was movement in grain transportation since the agreement was inked however a missile attack on the Black Sea port put the deal in doubt as the US criticised the attack.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Reports claim drought and heatwave in Europe could reduce crop yield in Europe this year as the war in Ukraine continues to stress food supplies. The JRC Mars bulletin which monitors crop production in Europe in its latest report said yield forecasts for grain maize, sunflowers and soybeans were "markedly reduced" due to extremely hot and dry conditions in several regions of Europe with summer crops being affected.

Reports claim drought and heatwave in Europe could reduce crop yield in Europe this year as the war in Ukraine continues to stress food supplies. The JRC Mars bulletin which monitors crop production in Europe in its latest report said yield forecasts for grain maize, sunflowers and soybeans were "markedly reduced" due to extremely hot and dry conditions in several regions of Europe with summer crops being affected. Last month the JRC Mars bulletin crop monitoring in Europe said yield of soft wheat, durum wheat and winter barley are currently below the five-year average with maize, rapeseed and sunflower also at a low but just above the five-year average. Also Read: Russia claims power station captured in Ukraine amid movement in grain exports The publication said the reduced yield was due to "drier-than-usual conditions in large parts of Europe" with the Baltic sea region affected by "persistently colder-than-usual weather". The report noted that the sowing of rice was accomplished without major constraints however it was in an area which was nearly seven per cent smaller than last year due to the unavailability of water. The Mars bulletin said durum wheat has been revised sharply downwards with almost five per cent below EU levels and soft wheat revised downward in 13 of the 25 EU wheat-producing countries mostly in Hungary, Romania, Poland, and France. Watch: Ukraine to begin grain shipments from Black Sea Port The report comes as Ukraine recently concluded a deal with Russia on the export of wheat and another gain from the Black Sea ports. Ukraine said at least 25 million tonnes of grain worth $10 billion is locked up in Black Sea port ever since President Vladimir Putin announced the "special military operation" against Ukraine. Ukraine said there was movement in grain transportation since the agreement was inked however a missile attack on the Black Sea port put the deal in doubt as the US criticised the attack. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Crop yield in Europe set to decline due to heatwave and drought as Ukraine war continues

As deadly wildfires rage across Turkey, Spain and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/apocalyptic-greek-inferno-triggers-mass-evacuation-as-hundreds-left-homeless-403916">Greece</a>, reports said the Sicily region in Italy may have recorded the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe reporting 48.8 Centigrades.

The previous hottest temperature 48&nbsp;Centigrades was recorded in Athens in 1977 by the World Meteorological Organisation(WMO). The current readings which were recorded by local authorities need to be corroborated by the WMO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sixth-day-of-greek-fires-blaze-ravages-evia-island-like-a-horror-movie-404258">In Pics:&nbsp;Greek fires: Blaze ravages Evia island 'like a horror movie'</a>

Meteorologists in June had predicted temperatures in Italy's southern areas would rise to 44 or 45 Degree Centigrades amid the heatwave.

Watch:

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Sicily faced devasting fires as Greek and Israeli aircraft waterbombed wildfires in Cyprus recently. There have been heatwaves and drought in Cyprus in recent years with temperatures topping 40 Degrees Celsius amid less rainfall.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had said recently that Greece is facing the worst <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-report-warns-more-vicious-floods-heatwaves-worsening-droughts-and-rise-in-sea-levels-404186">heatwave</a> since 1987 as wildfires destroyed vast pine and olive groves.

The Greek prime minister urged citizens to use less power as the country's electricity network was put under strain amid the wildfire. A Greek minister described the situation as a "climate threat" moving away from calling it "climate change".

Turkey also faced the worst wildfire as it deployed hundreds of firefighters as eight people lost their lives amid the uncontrollable firestorm.

EU nations pledged to send aid to Greece, Italy, Albania and Northern Macedonia to fight the forest fires as several homes were destroyed in Greece and large scale evacuation ordered in the south.

Forest fires have been raging in the Mediterranean engulfing Spain and Turkey as tourists were evacuated in Italy earlier even as Europe was hit with floods last month in Germany and Belgium in which 209 people had died and several reported missing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

As deadly wildfires rage across Turkey, Spain and Greece, reports said the Sicily region in Italy may have recorded the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe reporting 48.

As deadly wildfires rage across Turkey, Spain and Greece, reports said the Sicily region in Italy may have recorded the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe reporting 48.8 Centigrades. The previous hottest temperature 48 Centigrades was recorded in Athens in 1977 by the World Meteorological Organisation(WMO). The current readings which were recorded by local authorities need to be corroborated by the WMO. In Pics: Greek fires: Blaze ravages Evia island 'like a horror movie' Meteorologists in June had predicted temperatures in Italy's southern areas would rise to 44 or 45 Degree Centigrades amid the heatwave. Watch: Sicily faced devasting fires as Greek and Israeli aircraft waterbombed wildfires in Cyprus recently. There have been heatwaves and drought in Cyprus in recent years with temperatures topping 40 Degrees Celsius amid less rainfall. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had said recently that Greece is facing the worst heatwave since 1987 as wildfires destroyed vast pine and olive groves. The Greek prime minister urged citizens to use less power as the country's electricity network was put under strain amid the wildfire. A Greek minister described the situation as a "climate threat" moving away from calling it "climate change". Turkey also faced the worst wildfire as it deployed hundreds of firefighters as eight people lost their lives amid the uncontrollable firestorm. EU nations pledged to send aid to Greece, Italy, Albania and Northern Macedonia to fight the forest fires as several homes were destroyed in Greece and large scale evacuation ordered in the south. Forest fires have been raging in the Mediterranean engulfing Spain and Turkey as tourists were evacuated in Italy earlier even as Europe was hit with floods last month in Germany and Belgium in which 209 people had died and several reported missing. (With inputs from Agencies)

Italy's Sicily region may have recorded Europe's hottest temperature on record

The hot<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-records-hottest-temperature-since-records-began-238477"> air that smashed European</a> weather records this week looks set to move towards Greenland, a worrying development that may take Greenland's ice sheet close to or below the record low seen in 2012, the United Nations said on Friday.

Clare Nullis, spokeswoman for the UN&nbsp;World Meteorological Organization, said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-records-fall-as-europe-bakes-in-heatwave-238541">hot air moving up</a> from North Africa had not merely broken European temperature records on Thursday but surpassed them by 2, 3 or 4 degrees Celsius, which she described as "absolutely incredible".

"According to forecasts, and this is of concern, the atmospheric flow is now going to transport that heat towards&nbsp;Greenland," she told a regular UN&nbsp;briefing in Geneva.

"This will result in high temperatures and consequently enhanced melting of the&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;ice sheet," she said. "We don't know yet whether it will beat the 2012 level, but it's close."

Nullis cited data from Denmark's Polar Portal, which measures the daily gains and losses in surface mass of the&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;Ice Sheet.

"In July alone, it lost 160 billion tonnes of ice through surface melting. That's roughly the equivalent of 64 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Just in July. Just surface melt - it's not including ocean melt as well."

Belgian zookeepers fed tigers with chickens encased in giant ice cubes on Wednesday as northern Europe baked in record temperatures during another heatwave that climate experts believe could become the new normal.

For the second time in a month, a high pressure system drew scorching air from the Sahara Desert, breaking records for Belgium and the Netherlands and threatening the same in Britain, Germany and France in a streak that is due to last until Friday.

Watch Video:

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Soaring temperatures broke records in Germany, France, Britain and the Netherlands on Thursday, as a heatwave gripped Europe for the second time in a month in what scientists said were becoming more frequent events as the planet heats up.

As a cauldron of hot air from the Sahara desert moved across the continent, drawn northwards by high pressure, Paris saw its highest temperature since records began and Britain reported its hottest weather for the month of July.

An all-time high was measured in Germany for a second day running, at 41.5 degrees Celsius (106.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in the northwestern town of Lingen - similar temperatures to those in some Gulf Arab capitals on Thursday.

The unusual conditions brought a reduction in French and German nuclear power output, disrupted rail travel in parts of Britain and sent some Europeans, not habitual users of air conditioning in their homes, out to the shops in search of fans.

In Spain, a wildfire in the northern province of Zaragoza was almost under control, but there was a risk of further outbreaks, especially in eastern parts, where the temperature was set to rise as high as 41 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit).

Peter Innes, a senior climate research scientist at Britain's University of Reading, said the recent greater frequency of hot summers was in line with expectations about manmade global warming.

He referred to a study looking at the European heatwave of 2003 and a finding that by the middle of the 21st century, this could be the norm.

"It has been estimated that about 35,000 people died as a result of the European heatwave in 2003, so this is not a trivial issue," he said.

The hot air that smashed European weather records this week looks set to move towards Greenland, a worrying development that may take Greenland's ice sheet close to or below the record low seen in 2012, the United Nations said on Friday.

The hot air that smashed European weather records this week looks set to move towards Greenland, a worrying development that may take Greenland's ice sheet close to or below the record low seen in 2012, the United Nations said on Friday. Clare Nullis, spokeswoman for the UN World Meteorological Organization, said the hot air moving up from North Africa had not merely broken European temperature records on Thursday but surpassed them by 2, 3 or 4 degrees Celsius, which she described as "absolutely incredible". "According to forecasts, and this is of concern, the atmospheric flow is now going to transport that heat towards Greenland," she told a regular UN briefing in Geneva. "This will result in high temperatures and consequently enhanced melting of the Greenland ice sheet," she said. "We don't know yet whether it will beat the 2012 level, but it's close." Nullis cited data from Denmark's Polar Portal, which measures the daily gains and losses in surface mass of the Greenland Ice Sheet. "In July alone, it lost 160 billion tonnes of ice through surface melting. That's roughly the equivalent of 64 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Just in July. Just surface melt - it's not including ocean melt as well." Belgian zookeepers fed tigers with chickens encased in giant ice cubes on Wednesday as northern Europe baked in record temperatures during another heatwave that climate experts believe could become the new normal. For the second time in a month, a high pressure system drew scorching air from the Sahara Desert, breaking records for Belgium and the Netherlands and threatening the same in Britain, Germany and France in a streak that is due to last until Friday. Watch Video: Soaring temperatures broke records in Germany, France, Britain and the Netherlands on Thursday, as a heatwave gripped Europe for the second time in a month in what scientists said were becoming more frequent events as the planet heats up. As a cauldron of hot air from the Sahara desert moved across the continent, drawn northwards by high pressure, Paris saw its highest temperature since records began and Britain reported its hottest weather for the month of July. An all-time high was measured in Germany for a second day running, at 41.5 degrees Celsius (106.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in the northwestern town of Lingen - similar temperatures to those in some Gulf Arab capitals on Thursday. The unusual conditions brought a reduction in French and German nuclear power output, disrupted rail travel in parts of Britain and sent some Europeans, not habitual users of air conditioning in their homes, out to the shops in search of fans. In Spain, a wildfire in the northern province of Zaragoza was almost under control, but there was a risk of further outbreaks, especially in eastern parts, where the temperature was set to rise as high as 41 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit). Peter Innes, a senior climate research scientist at Britain's University of Reading, said the recent greater frequency of hot summers was in line with expectations about manmade global warming. He referred to a study looking at the European heatwave of 2003 and a finding that by the middle of the 21st century, this could be the norm. "It has been estimated that about 35,000 people died as a result of the European heatwave in 2003, so this is not a trivial issue," he said.

Atmospheric flow now going to transport heat towards Greenland: UN

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature over 42 degrees Celsius as a ferocious heatwave smashed records <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-record-setting-heatwave-to-spike-even-higher-238310">across northern Europe</a>, sparking concerns about public health and new misery for rail travellers.

Records also tumbled in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany while Paris saw its highest ever temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius (108.7 Fahrenheit), beating the previous top of 40.4C (104.7F) set in July 1947.

Paris recorded its hottest temperature since records began, Meteo France said, as a heatwave spread across Europe.&nbsp;Meteo France said a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) had been recorded in the capital at around 1:40 p.m.

That beat the previous record, which was the 40.4 degrees Celsius recorded in July 1947.

Trains have been slowed in several European countries to avoid damage to the railway networks and French national operator SNCF urged travellers to delay journeys planned for Thursday.

In the sweltering French capital, tourists and locals alike made a beeline for fountains and even pools laid on by the authorities next to the Ourcq canal in the north of the city.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-heatwave-20-administrative-areas-in-france-put-on-red-alert-238329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities have warned people to keep an eye on those living alone and also to beware of taking the plunge to cool down after a spike in drownings.

The scorching weather spelled misery for millions of commuters on public transport.&nbsp;

"It's so hot in the metro, it's unbearable. There are so many people, no air conditioning and everyone is on top of each other," said Paris commuter Petra Ulm, 34, a clinical researcher.

The heatwave, which was expected to ease up on Friday as rain and thunderstorms move in, had again focused public attention on the problems caused by climate change.

In Britain, temperatures reached 36.9C (98.4F) at Heathrow, a record for July but still below the UK's all time high of 38.5C.

Those lucky enough to be by the sea could still enjoy the weather.&nbsp;

"It's obviously not so good for some people, but if you've got the day off and young kids then it's great for a day on the beach," said Graham Clarke, 50, an insurance agent, enjoying the sands of Broadstairs in southeast England.

The Netherlands, which broke a record dating back to 1944 on Wednesday, hit a new high Thursday of 40.4C in the south.

On Thursday, Germany again hit a national record of 41.5 C (106.7F) in Lingen, western Germany.

Belgium on Thursday also reached a new record high of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105F), on the Kleine-Brogel military base, in northeastern Belgium.

Two suspected drug smugglers had to call police in the Belgian port city of Antwerp after becoming trapped in a shipping container filled with cocaine, prosecutors said.

Hundreds of travellers were stuck on trains in sweltering conditions outside Paris for several hours late Wednesday after an electrical fire halted traffic in and out of the Gare de l'Est station in Paris.

Eurostar and Thalys services from Brussels to London and Paris also experienced major delays and cancellations after cable failure the day earlier.

"I ask everyone who can avoid or delay their journeys to do so," said French Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne, advising workers who could do their jobs at home not go to their offices.

The northern third of France, including Paris, was under a red alert while the rest of the country had a yellow warning and water-use restrictions were in force.

In Austria, a three-year-old child died of dehydration after going to sleep in a car parked in full sunshine at the family farm, local authorities said.

France remains haunted by the early summer of 2003 when 15,000 deaths were blamed on the heat and the authorities were bitterly criticised for not mobilising fast enough.

"We need to take care of ourselves but above all others especially those who are alone, and be able to detect the first symptoms of heatstroke," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.

Local authorities have placed restrictions on water usage in many areas due to drought-like conditions that have seen ground and river water levels fall dramatically.

This summer's second heatwave has amplified concerns in Europe that human activity is heating the planet at a dangerous rate.

The June 26-28 blast of heat in France was four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than an equally rare June heatwave would have been in 1900, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team said this month. &nbsp;

One study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said the deadly, weeks-long heatwave across northern Europe in 2018 would have been statistically impossible without climate change.

(Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature over 42 degrees Celsius as a ferocious heatwave smashed records across northern Europe, sparking concerns about public health and new misery for rail travellers.

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature over 42 degrees Celsius as a ferocious heatwave smashed records across northern Europe, sparking concerns about public health and new misery for rail travellers. Records also tumbled in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany while Paris saw its highest ever temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius (108.7 Fahrenheit), beating the previous top of 40.4C (104.7F) set in July 1947. Paris recorded its hottest temperature since records began, Meteo France said, as a heatwave spread across Europe. Meteo France said a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) had been recorded in the capital at around 1:40 p.m. That beat the previous record, which was the 40.4 degrees Celsius recorded in July 1947. Trains have been slowed in several European countries to avoid damage to the railway networks and French national operator SNCF urged travellers to delay journeys planned for Thursday. In the sweltering French capital, tourists and locals alike made a beeline for fountains and even pools laid on by the authorities next to the Ourcq canal in the north of the city. Watch Video: Authorities have warned people to keep an eye on those living alone and also to beware of taking the plunge to cool down after a spike in drownings. The scorching weather spelled misery for millions of commuters on public transport. "It's so hot in the metro, it's unbearable. There are so many people, no air conditioning and everyone is on top of each other," said Paris commuter Petra Ulm, 34, a clinical researcher. The heatwave, which was expected to ease up on Friday as rain and thunderstorms move in, had again focused public attention on the problems caused by climate change. In Britain, temperatures reached 36.9C (98.4F) at Heathrow, a record for July but still below the UK's all time high of 38.5C. Those lucky enough to be by the sea could still enjoy the weather. "It's obviously not so good for some people, but if you've got the day off and young kids then it's great for a day on the beach," said Graham Clarke, 50, an insurance agent, enjoying the sands of Broadstairs in southeast England. The Netherlands, which broke a record dating back to 1944 on Wednesday, hit a new high Thursday of 40.4C in the south. On Thursday, Germany again hit a national record of 41.5 C (106.7F) in Lingen, western Germany. Belgium on Thursday also reached a new record high of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105F), on the Kleine-Brogel military base, in northeastern Belgium. Two suspected drug smugglers had to call police in the Belgian port city of Antwerp after becoming trapped in a shipping container filled with cocaine, prosecutors said. Hundreds of travellers were stuck on trains in sweltering conditions outside Paris for several hours late Wednesday after an electrical fire halted traffic in and out of the Gare de l'Est station in Paris. Eurostar and Thalys services from Brussels to London and Paris also experienced major delays and cancellations after cable failure the day earlier. "I ask everyone who can avoid or delay their journeys to do so," said French Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne, advising workers who could do their jobs at home not go to their offices. The northern third of France, including Paris, was under a red alert while the rest of the country had a yellow warning and water-use restrictions were in force. In Austria, a three-year-old child died of dehydration after going to sleep in a car parked in full sunshine at the family farm, local authorities said. France remains haunted by the early summer of 2003 when 15,000 deaths were blamed on the heat and the authorities were bitterly criticised for not mobilising fast enough. "We need to take care of ourselves but above all others especially those who are alone, and be able to detect the first symptoms of heatstroke," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. Local authorities have placed restrictions on water usage in many areas due to drought-like conditions that have seen ground and river water levels fall dramatically. This summer's second heatwave has amplified concerns in Europe that human activity is heating the planet at a dangerous rate. The June 26-28 blast of heat in France was four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than an equally rare June heatwave would have been in 1900, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team said this month. One study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said the deadly, weeks-long heatwave across northern Europe in 2018 would have been statistically impossible without climate change. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

Paris records hottest temperature since records began