The upcoming heatwave in Europe

A heatwave is forecast to hit Europe in the coming weeks, bringing high temperatures and dry conditions.

The heatwave is expected to be the earliest on record in Europe, and could have a significant impact on people and infrastructure.

The heatwave is being caused by a combination of factors, including high pressure over the continent and warm air from the Sahara.

Temperatures are expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some parts of Europe, with the highest temperatures likely to be in Spain, France, and Italy.

According to a report from the World Meteorological Organization, Europe has experienced the highest temperature increase compared to any other continent in recent years, resulting in 15,700 deaths attributed to heatwaves in 2022.

During the summer, Europe witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, with some regions experiencing extreme heat combined with unusually dry conditions. The total number of excess deaths related to the heat surpassed 15,000 across Spain, Germany, the UK, France, and Portugal.

The World Meteorological Organization's report highlights that the global average temperature in 2022 was 1.15 (1.02 to 1.28)°C higher than the average from 1850-1900. The years between 2015 and 2022 ranked among the eight warmest years on record since 1850, with 2022 being the fifth or sixth warmest year. Remarkably, this occurred despite three consecutive years of a cooling La Niña event, which is a rare occurrence happening only three times in the past 50 years.

The report further emphasizes the WMO's role in providing information about rising temperatures, heatwaves on land and in the ocean, extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and the retreat of ice and snow.

The State of the Global Climate 2022 report demonstrates the extensive changes occurring worldwide on land, in the atmosphere, and in the oceans due to record-high levels of greenhouse gases, which trap heat.

Despite the cooling impact of La Niña over the past three years, the years between 2015 and 2022 ranked among the eight warmest on record. The report also emphasizes that the melting of glaciers and rising sea levels, which reached record levels in 2022, will continue for thousands of years.

According to WMO Secretary-General Prof Petteri Taalas, as greenhouse gas emissions rise and the climate continues to change, extreme weather and climate events gravely impact populations worldwide.

In 2022 alone, prolonged drought in East Africa, unprecedented rainfall in Pakistan, and severe heatwaves in China and Europe affected tens of millions of people, resulting in food insecurity, mass migration, and significant economic losses.

As the climate continues to change, European populations are expected to face various health impacts, including increased mortality and illnesses from more frequent extreme weather events.

The report also highlights the likelihood of increased zoonotic diseases (transmitted from animals to humans), as well as water, food, and vector-borne diseases, along with a rise in mental health disorders.

Heatwaves, particularly in western and southern European countries, represent the most deadly extreme climate events in Europe. The combination of climate change, urbanization, and an aging population in the region creates and exacerbates vulnerability to heat-related impacts.

The WMO released its State of the Global Climate report ahead of Earth Day 2023, echoing the message of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Guterres emphasizes the need for accelerated climate action, including significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, he stresses the importance of increased investments in adaptation and resilience, particularly for the most vulnerable countries and communities.

As the warming trend continues, society, economies, and ecosystems will increasingly face exceptional heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and other climate change impacts, according to the WMO report released on Wednesday.

The report notes that rainfall has been below average for five consecutive wet seasons, marking the longest such sequence in 40 years. As of January 2023, the drought and other shocks have led to over 20 million people facing acute food insecurity across the region.

Record-breaking rainfall in Pakistan during July and August resulted in widespread flooding, with over 1,700 deaths, 33 million affected individuals, and nearly 8 million people displaced. The total damage and economic losses were estimated at USD 30 billion.

Furthermore, as of 2021, 2.3 billion people faced food insecurity, with 924 million experiencing severe food insecurity. Projections estimated that 767.9 million people would face undernourishment in 2021, which accounts for 9.8% of the global population. The majority of these individuals reside in Asia and Africa.

Climate change is also impacting natural recurring events, such as the timing of tree blossoms and bird migrations. The consequences of climate change on ecosystems and the environment are significant.

For instance, a recent assessment focusing on the unique high-elevation area around the Tibetan Plateau, which holds the largest storehouse of snow and ice outside the Arctic and Antarctic regions, revealed that global warming is expanding the temperate zone.

How to Stay Safe During a Heatwave?

Here are some tips on how to stay safe during a heatwave:

• Drink plenty of fluids: This is especially important if you are outdoors or doing strenuous activity.
• Stay in cool places: This could be indoors, in the shade, or near water.
• Avoid strenuous activity: If you must be active, take breaks in the shade and drink plenty of fluids.
• Check on vulnerable people: This includes the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions.
• Dress for the weather: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Use sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours.
• Take cool showers or baths: This can help to lower your body temperature.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances can dehydrate you.

If you experience any heat-related symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, or headache, seek medical attention immediately.

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