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2024 European heatwaves

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2024 European heatwaves
AreasGreece, Italy, Ukraine, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Denmark
Start dateJune 2024
End dateOngoing
Peak temp. 45.7 °C (114.3 °F), recorded at El Granado, Spain on 24 July 2024
Losses
Deaths19+

Europe has been affected by heat waves since June 2024, breaking several regional temperature records across multiple nations in Southern and Southeast Europe.

Background

[edit]
Further information: Climate change in Europe

The European Union's Copernicus and the World Meteorological Organization reported in April 2024 that Europe was Earth's most rapidly warming continent, with temperatures rising at a rate twice as high as the global average rate, and that Europe's 5-year average temperatures were 2.3 °C higher relative to pre-industrial temperatures compared to 1.3 °C for the rest of the world. Both organizations predicted that Europe's "intensifying climate extremes" would contribute to significantly increased "record temperatures, wildfires, heat waves, glacier ice loss, and lack of snowfall".[1]

By country

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Albania

[edit]

Albania suffered its first 2024 heatwave in June, causing temporary power outages.[2]

Extreme heat throughout Albania in July 2024 pushed the government to alter Albanian civil servants' working hours for so they could avoid the worst daytime temperatures.[3] Several forest fires occurred in the beginning of July.[4] A 72-year-old man died at his farm in Memaliaj, suspected by health authorities to have been caused by heat stroke.[5][6]

Belgium

[edit]

In June and July, Belgium experienced heatwaves. On 26 June the temperature reached 32.2 °C (90.0 °F) in Buggenhout. On 30 July, the temperature reached 33.4 °C (92.1 °F) in Buggenhout.[7]

Bosnia and Herzegovina

[edit]

Bosnia suffered from temporary power outages in June 2024 worsened by a heat wave, causing traffic lights to shut down in Sarajevo.[2] Mostar had temperatures reach 40 °C (104 °F) for six days in a row from 11 to 17 July.[8]

About few days prior to the record-breaking August heatwave, a heat warning was issued projecting the highest daily temperatures going up to 40 °C across the country.[9][10] The morning temperature for Mostar on August 11th, 2024 was recorded at 30 °C at 8:00 AM (CEST).[11]

On August 12th, 2024, the Federal Meterological Hydrological Institute of BIH (FHMZ BIH) issued a red alert warning about temperatures potentially going up as high as 42 °C.[12][13] On that same day at 5:00 PM (CEST), Zenica's temperature was tied with the record high set on August 22nd, 2012 at 41.3 °C.[14][15] On August 13th, 2024, Zenica reached a record-breaking 42.6 °C temperature (later confirmed to have been recorded on August 12th).[16] Meanwhile, the temperature in Sarajevo was at 39.1 °C, about 0.9 °C below the record high 40 °C set in 1946.[17] Mostar reached 41 °C on that same day.[18] Nedim Sladić estimated that the temperature in Sarajevo could also reach 40 °C during that week.[19] It had been widely reported that the temperatures were to continue going above 40 °C for the rest of the week.[20][21] On August 14th, 2024, the temperature in Zvornik reached 40 °C as the heatwave continued.[22]

On August 15th, 2024, after reviewing, the FHMZ stated that the recorded temperatures were higher on August 13th with Sarajevo being at 39.7 °C, only 0.3 °C below the record high. The FHMZ also reported that Zenica had once again reached a record-breaking temperature of 42.7 °C (108.9 °F), 0.1 °C higher than its short-lived previous record of 42.6 °C a day prior. Gradačac was recorded at 39.2 °C and Tuzla and Drvar were at 39 °C. The temperature Mostar was recorded at 41.5 °C on August 13th.[23]

The heatwave also resulted in record low levels for rivers. Una was recorded at 20 centimeters at Bihać on August 11th, 2024 with Lepenica being 21 centimeters at Kiseljak, Bosna being at 59 centimeters in Zenica, and Sana being at 32 centimeters in Vrhpolje.[24] On August 15th, 2024, the level of water flow was recorded at a miniscule 18 centimeters for Una at Bihać. The river Jala at Tuzla was recorded at 9 centimeters below the ground.[25]

Bulgaria

[edit]

Bulgaria has been experiencing high temperatures, reaching 39°C (102.2 °F) across the country.[26] The heatwave has led to numerous wildfires, particularly in Plovdiv and Stara Zagora, where over 150 fires were reported in a single week.[27]

In response, the Bulgarian government and local authorities have issued warnings and implemented measures such as distributing free bottled water in Sofia and restricting the use of potable water for non-essential activities in some regions.

Croatia

[edit]

Croatia suffered from temporary power outages in June 2024 exacerbated by extreme heat, causing most pubs, restaurants, and supermarkets to close in Dubrovnik. Traffic systems went out of order due to blackouts in Split, causing traffic congestion.[2]

In July 2024, the Adriatic Sea reached its highest recorded temperature at 29.5 °C (85.1 °F) along several coastal regions in Croatia.[28] Croatia issued its a red weather alert on 12 July due to high temperatures and risk of heat stroke, its highest level alert.[29] On August 15, the Adriatic Sea reached another record high temperature of 29.9 °C at Malo Jezero, Mljet.[30][31]

Denmark

[edit]

In late June 2024 a heatwave effected Denmark, temperatures reached 30 °C (86 °F) in Copenhagen and many other parts of the country. The highest temperature measured was 30.4 °C (86.7 °F), on 27 June in Aabenraa.[32]

Greece

[edit]

Extreme Temperatures

In June 2024, both Sparta and Serres registered a record mean max temperature of 37.6 °C (99.7 °F) while temperatures soared as high as 44.5 °C (112.1 °F) on the island of Crete. [33] [34] According to the National Observatory of Athens in July 2024 Greece experienced its longest lasting heat wave in recorded history with 16 days in total. [35] Gavalou and Serres reached 14 consecutive days with temperatures over 40 °C (104 °F) while minimum temperatures remained over 30 °C (86 °F) for 12 consecutive days in metropolitan Athens. [36] [37] [38] In July 2024, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service station in Serres reached a mean maximum temperature of 39.1 °C (102.4 °F) which is Greece's record to date. [39] [40] [41]

Fires and fatalities

At least six tourists died in June 2024 while hiking in Greece during unusually high temperatures. Victims of extreme heat and exhaustion included a 68-year old German on the island of Crete, an 80-year-old Belgian man in Lato,[42] a 55-year-old American on the island of Mathraki, a Dutch tourist on the island of Samos, and British television presenter Michael Mosley on the island of Symi. Three more tourists were reported as missing, including two French women touring the island of Sikinos and a 59-year-old American police officer on the island of Amorgos.[43]

Greek authorities reported on 2 July that the nation faced its highest risk of wildfires in over two decades.[44] Several forest fires occurred in Corinth and the island of Lesbos in early July. Heat warnings were issued in the Athens region and throughout central Greece on 11 July, with the warning extended to northeastern regions on 12 July.[4] Throughout mid-July, Greece banned outdoor work during the hottest times of the day, which included manual labour, construction work, and deliveries.[5] Extreme heat in Greece forced authorities to close the Acropolis several times during midday throughout June and July to prevent tourist heat-related illnesses.[3] Forty wildfires arose in a 24-hour period between 17 and 18 July.[45] In August 2024 Athens faced significant wildfires and a woman died as a result. [46]

Italy

[edit]

During July 2024, temperatures in Italy reached peaks of 40 °C (104 °F),[28] prompting the Italian government to issue excessive heat warnings for thirteen cities which included Rome, Trieste, and Palermo. Two firefighters were killed while fighting a wildfire in the Basilicata region.[3] Another man was killed by a falling tree near Brindisi, in Apulia, while battling a fire.[47] Italy's civil protection service reported eighteen calls in southern regions requiring assistance with quenching wildfires. Rome's zoo planned to provide ice and popsicles to several animals to prevent overheating.[5] The hotter-than-average temperatures combined with less-than-average rainfall allowed large swarms of locusts to rapidly grow in Emilia-Romagna and destroy orchards and crop fields.[45]

Between 18 and 19 July, four people died of heatstrokes across beaches in the region of Apulia.[48] Two days prior, a 57-year-old man died on a beach in Olbia.[49]

On July 13, a man died in Rome after collapsing on a street due to a heatstroke.[50] On July 18, a 57-year-old man died in Ancona after collapsing on a street.[51] A 66-year-old homeless man died in Venice on July 20,[52] while a child died in the same city two days before.[53]

Moldova

[edit]

Chișinău temperatures exceeded 40 °C (104 °F) in mid-July.[8]

North Macedonia

[edit]

As a result of extreme heat and a lack of rainfall, North Macedonia suffered from roughly 200 wildfires since the start of July, causing one firefighter injury. Dozens of wildfires were reported in a 24-hour period on 16–17 July, primarily occurring in the eastern region of the nation and requiring international firefighting assistance from Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Romania, and Croatia.[3] One of the wildfires extended to nearly 30 kilometers (21 miles) in width. To reduce the likelihood of new wildfires starting, the North Macedonian government issued a one-month state of emergency that included a ban on entering forest areas.[8]

Montenegro

[edit]

As a result of extreme heat in June 2024 affecting the Balkans, Montenegro's electrical grid was overloaded from increased electricity consumption, causing a blackout that affected almost the entire country for several hours.[2]

Temperatures reached a record high of 39 °C (102 °F) in the capital of Podgorica on 10 July.[4]

Romania

[edit]

Bucharest temperatures exceeded 40 °C (104 °F) in mid-July.[8]

Serbia

[edit]

The intensity of the July 2024 heatwave in Serbia caused the Rusanda salt lake in Vojvodina province to dry up for the first time in recorded history.[8] On 11 July, several doctors reported treating many citizens who suffered from headaches, dizziness, or loss of consciousness due to the 35 °C (95 °F) temperature.[4] Serbian capital Belgrade recorded a record high temperature on 16 July at 38.4 °C (101.1 °F),[28] with the state power company reporting that Serbia reached its record daily energy consumption on the same day due to widespread air conditioning use.[5]

Ukraine

[edit]

In July 2024, Ukraine suffered from a heatwave impacting the entire nation, with temperatures reaching a peak of 40 °C (104 °F), and Kyiv surpassing its temperature record on 15 July at 34.2 °C (93.5 °F).[54][55] The heat wave worsened the strain on Ukraine's power grid already damaged by persistent Russian drone and missile attacks, with state electricity company Ukrenergo reporting that electricity consumption exceeded the generating capacity of Ukraine's running power facilities. The strain on the power grid forced utility authorities to impose widespread blackouts throughout several Ukrainian regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk and Kirovohrad oblasts. In addition, most buildings in Kyiv were without power for at least ten hours a day.[55][56]

State meteorologists forecasted that the prolonged extreme heat could cause up to 30% declines in late crop harvests in southern, eastern, and central regions, resulting in significant economic losses.[54]

United Kingdom

[edit]

In late June 2024, the United Kingdom was effected by a heatwave, with most of the country seeing temperatures reaching 26 °C (79 °F).[57]

In mid-July and late-July 2024, heatwaves affected the United Kingdom. Also in August a heatwave affected the United Kingdom.

On 12 August, a temperature of 34.8 °C (94.6 °F) was recorded in Cambridge, exceeding the previously recorded temperature of 32.0 °C (89.6 °F) on 30 July at Kew Gardens & Heathrow Airport.[58]

Highest temperature per country

[edit]
Country Temperature Date Location
 Austria 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) 27 July Vienna
 Belgium 33.4 °C (92.1 °F) 30 July Buggenhout
 Bosnia and Herzegovina 42.7 °C (108.9 °F) 13 August Zenica
 Bulgaria 43.8 °C (110.8 °F) 25 July Sandanski
 Czech Republic 37.1 °C (98.8 °F) 14 August Strážnice
 Denmark 30.4 °C (86.7 °F) 27 June Aabenraa
 Finland 31.1 °C (88.0 °F) 28 June Turku
 France 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) 29 July Toulouse
 Germany 36.5 °C (97.7 °F) 13 August Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler
 Greece 44.5 °C (112.1 °F) 13 June Crete
 Luxembourg 29.1 °C (84.4 °F) 26 June Luxembourg Airport
 Netherlands 34.9 °C (94.8 °F) 13 August Nieuw-Beerta
 Norway 28.5 °C (83.3 °F) 22 July Tromsø
 Portugal 45.6 °C (114.1 °F) 10 August Pinhão (Alijó), Vila Real
 Romania 41.0 °C (105.8 °F) 16 July Bucharest
 Serbia 40.0 °C (104.0 °F) 17 July Niš
 Spain 45.7 °C (114.3 °F) 24 July El Granado, Huelva
 Sweden 32.0 °C (89.6 °F) 28 June Uppsala
  Switzerland 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) 30 July Basel
 United Kingdom 34.8 °C (94.6 °F) 12 August Cambridge
 Ukraine 40.4 °C (104.7 °F) 22 July Luhansk

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Europe is warming twice as fast as other continents, report warns". Euronews. 2024-04-22. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
  2. ^ a b c d "Balkan countries suffer blackouts amid major heatwave". DW. 2024-06-21. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  3. ^ a b c d "Greece shuts Acropolis, 2 firefighters killed in Italy as southern Europe swelters in a heat wave". AP News. 2024-07-17. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  4. ^ a b c d "'It's hell outside': Sizzling heat wave in parts of southern and central Europe prompts alerts". AP News. 2024-07-11. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  5. ^ a b c d "Red alerts and outdoor work bans as heatwaves sweep across Europe". Euronews. 2024-07-17. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  6. ^ "Heat Wave Claims First Victim in Albania". Albania Daily News. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
  7. ^ https://www.meteo.be/uploads/media/66ab491cae157/klimatologisch-maandoverzicht-202407.pdf?token=/uploads/media/66ab491cae157/klimatologisch-maandoverzicht-202407.pdf
  8. ^ a b c d e "Europe: Scorching heatwave bakes Greece, Balkan region". DW. 2024-07-17. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  9. ^ "NOVA IZNENAĐENJA U AUGUSTU: Evo kakvo nas vrijeme očekuje u narednih 15 dana…". slobodna-bosna.ba (in Bosnian). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
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  11. ^ Fokus.ba (2024-08-11). "U Mostaru jutros 30 stepeni". Fokus.ba (in Bosnian). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  12. ^ "I sutra u BiH sunčano i vruće, temperature do 42 stepena". TVSA.BA (in Bosnian). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
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  14. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
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  18. ^ "Toplinski val zahvatio Bosnu i Hercegovinu: U ovom gradu izmjeren 41°C". radiosarajevo.ba (in Croatian). 2024-08-13. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
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  20. ^ Zblog-3 (2024-08-12). "Do kraja sedmice sunčano sa lokalnim pljuskovima, temperatura do 42 stepena". Zenicablog. Retrieved 2024-08-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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  22. ^ "NASTAVLJEN TOPLOTNI TALAS: Zenica danas najtopliji grad sa 41 stepen". slobodna-bosna.ba (in Bosnian). Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  23. ^ "OGLASIO SE FHMZ: Nadmašen apsolutni maksimum temperature zraka u..." slobodna-bosna.ba (in Bosnian). Retrieved 2024-08-15.
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  26. ^ https://www.novinite.com/articles/226751/Bulgaria+Braces+for+Extreme+Heat+with+Water+Restrictions+and+Safety+Measures
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  31. ^ "Jadransko more već u 8 sati toplo: U nekim dijelovima Hrvatske temperatura vode skoro 30 stepeni". tuzlanski.ba (in Croatian). 2024-08-15. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  32. ^ "Vejrarkiv".
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  34. ^ "HNMS climate bulletins". Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  35. ^ "16 days heatwave in Greece". Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  36. ^ "Gavalou NOA record temperatures". Archived from the original on 2024-07-21. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  37. ^ "Piraeus 12 consecutive days over 30C minimums". Archived from the original on 2024-07-21. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  38. ^ "Serres 14 days over 40.0C". Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  39. ^ "39.1C Serres mean max". Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  40. ^ "Σέρρες: Νέο εθνικό ρεκόρ μέσων μέγιστων θερμοκρασιών στις Σέρρες με 39.1°C". Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  41. ^ "Serres record". Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  42. ^ "German tourist, 68, found dead on Greek island". The Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 2024-06-24. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
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  44. ^ "Italy, Croatia, Serbia: Europeans struggle to cope as heatwaves strike". Euronews. 2024-07-11. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  45. ^ a b "'It's unbearable': heat waves scorch southern and eastern Europe". phys.org. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
  46. ^ "Athens Wildfires". Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  47. ^ "Brindisi, travolto da un albero durante un incendio, muore dipendente Arif". Sky News (in Italian). 20 July 2024.
  48. ^ "Caldo killer, altri due morti in spiaggia: malori fatali sulla battigia, 5 vittime in nemmeno 24 ore in Italia". Il Mattino (in Italian). 19 July 2024.
  49. ^ "Caldo, muore sul lettino in spiaggia: malore fatale durante la giornata al mare a Olbia, bagnanti sconvolti". Il Mattino (in Italian). 16 July 2024.
  50. ^ "Tragedia a Roma: ucciso dal caldo, uomo trovato morto in strada". Roma Today (in Italian). 13 July 2024.
  51. ^ "Caldo killer, muore un 57enne: ragazzino collassa a Portonovo. Il pronto soccorso scoppia:<<Lavoriamo in forte stress>>". Corriere Adriatico (in Italian). 19 July 2024.
  52. ^ "Claudio Vivian si stende su una panchina e muore per il caldo: aveva 66 anni". Il Gazzettino (in Italian). 20 July 2024.
  53. ^ "Venezia, la tragedia della bimba morta in auto per il caldo: indagato il padre". Rai News (in Italian). 20 July 2024.
  54. ^ a b Kovalenko, Yurii; Lyubysh-Kirdey, Ivan (16 July 2024). "Ukrainians struggle with scorching heat amid power crisis". Reuters. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  55. ^ a b Méheut, Constant (2024-07-17). "Ukraine's Devastated Energy Grid Battles a New Foe: A Sizzling Heat Wave". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-07-17.
  56. ^ "Ukraine starts emergency power cuts amid record heatwave". Reuters. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  57. ^ https://www.timeout.com/uk/news/the-uks-first-proper-heatwave-of-2024-is-finally-on-the-way-061724
  58. ^ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rdwx4yx12o
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