A severe heatwave affecting parts of Europe is pushing temperatures above 40°C in several countries and is reported to have killed more than 1,300 people. Multiple outlets say the extreme conditions first struck western parts of the continent before moving east, with record temperatures recorded in countries including Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Reports also describe wildfires spreading in the Balkans, adding to the emergency situation.
In Ukraine, the heatwave is creating additional pressure on an electricity system already strained by repeated Russian attacks. France 24 and other outlets report that Ukraine’s energy network is shut down on Monday due to the extreme temperatures. Other coverage says operators introduce temporary restrictions and order power cuts to manage demand and maintain supply as temperatures rise, including measures amid forecasts that hotter conditions continue. The Kyiv Post and France 24 attribute the challenge to the war-damaged power grid and the need to cope with sudden spikes in consumption.
Several reports characterize the heatwave as the most intense on record for Europe, and one outlet cites a World Weather Attribution assessment suggesting such early-season extremes would be virtually impossible without climate change.
