Dangerous summers: How heatwaves and wildfires change life across Europe
Summary
Summers in Europe are becoming hotter and more dangerous with frequent heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. These changes are harming water supply, agriculture, forests, and people’s daily lives across many countries.Key Facts
- Temperatures in places like Prague have reached nearly 40°C (104°F), which is now more common.
- Heatwaves in May and June raised temperatures by over 10°C (18°F) above normal in parts of France, the UK, and Spain.
- Wildfires in southern Europe start earlier, last longer, and have burned nearly 1 million hectares of land, about twice the usual amount.
- Wildfires can create their own weather, such as strong winds and lightning, which spread fires further.
- Hotter temperatures increase evaporation, causing lower river levels and less water for drinking, farming, and energy.
- Rivers like the Rhine, Po, and Danube have had unusually low water levels, affecting shipping and power plants.
- Climate change is expected to increase farm losses by up to 66% by 2050 in Europe.
- Some regions have already started limiting water use during droughts to cope with shortages.
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