Germany has reported an unprecedented maximum temperature of 41.5 degrees Celsius, according to provisional data released by the National Weather Service (DWD) on Saturday. This record was registered at the Drevitz station in eastern Germany, surpassing the previous day’s high of 41.3 degrees Celsius, which was recorded in Saarbrücken, located in the southwest of the country.
Denmark Sees Historic Temperature Surge to 37 Degrees
On the same day, Denmark marked its highest temperature ever recorded, as announced by the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI). The DMI reported a temperature of 36.6 degrees Celsius north of Odense, the warmest reading since temperature records began in 1874. However, as the day progressed, the temperature soared further, ultimately reaching 37.0 degrees Celsius in Odum, north of Aarhus.
While DMI initially celebrated the record-breaking temperature, they quickly noted that it lasted merely an hour before being surpassed. The previous record for Denmark stood at 36.4 degrees Celsius, established in August 1975. As a heatwave took hold of the region, images surfaced of residents seeking relief on beaches and in parks.
The sweltering weather coincided with the opening of the Roskilde Music Festival, where one festival-goer described hauling his luggage to the campsite as “unbearable.” In an effort to support the estimated 50,000 attendees, festival organizers installed multiple water stations throughout the venue.
Meteorologist Peter Tanev from broadcaster TV2 had anticipated the possibility of breaking heat records, emphasizing the influence of global warming. Tanev expressed concern about how long this new record might stand, asserting that temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in Denmark could only be a matter of time. In neighboring Sweden, the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) warned that areas in southern Sweden might record temperatures as high as 36 or 37 degrees.
Czech Republic Hits 40.6 Degrees Celsius
The Czech Republic also set a new landmark temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius at the weather station in Doksany, situated north of Prague. This reading, confirmed by the National Meteorological Institute (CHMI), eclipsed the previous record of 40.4 degrees Celsius established in Dobrikovice in 2012. CHMI indicated that temperatures may continue to climb, suggesting that this record could still be surpassed by the day’s end.
Amidst a prolonged heatwave that has engulfed much of Europe for the past two weeks, the Czech Republic expects the extreme heat to peak on Sunday, potentially reaching or exceeding 41 degrees Celsius. Notably, this marks the first occurrence of temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in June.
In response to the heat, the streets of Prague were relatively deserted as residents opted to stay indoors, visit pools, or retreat to air-conditioned spaces or the countryside. The city’s public transport authority took precautionary measures, reducing tram speeds to 40 km/h and 10 km/h under bridges due to concerns about the deformation of overhead wires from the intense heat.
To mitigate the effects of the heat, water tankers have been deployed to spray roads across the nation, helping to cool urban environments and curb ground-level ozone levels. Many public events and festivals have also incorporated misting systems to ensure comfort for attendees amidst the rising temperatures.
