Heatwave of Up to 40 Degrees 'Bakes' Europe

German residents are bracing for extreme temperatures as a heatwave that has already claimed lives in parts of Western Europe moves eastwards, bringing temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius to Germany and Poland. The system, which previously baked Britain, France, and Switzerland this June, is expected to continue testing new limits as it moves across the Rhine River.

Experts warn that the high temperatures will place significant strain on public health, transport, infrastructure, and energy systems across various European countries. German public broadcaster ARD reported, based on provisional official data, that temperatures in the area near Saarbruecken, on the border between Germany and France, have already exceeded 41 degrees Celsius.

“This heatwave will peak at the weekend, well above 40 degrees in parts of Germany,” said meteorologist Karsten Brandt from the weather forecasting site Donnerwetter.de on Friday.

The extreme heat has had a widespread impact in France. Dozens of people, both young and elderly, were reported to have died during the period of high temperatures. Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius caused train travel disruptions, hampered power plant operations, triggered alcohol consumption restrictions in several regions, closed schools, and forced the postponement of various outdoor activities.

In Germany, organisers of the Ironman European long-distance triathlon championship in Frankfurt on Sunday decided to shorten the cycling and running routes due to the dangerous heat conditions for participants. The government and public service operators have also begun taking anticipatory measures against potential heat-related infrastructure damage.

High temperatures can cause road surfaces to buckle, railway tracks to expand, and disruptions to the electricity grid. German national railway operator Deutsche Bahn is allowing customers to cancel long-distance journeys until early next week without additional fees due to the extreme weather conditions.

The company warned that its infrastructure is under pressure from direct sunlight, while the risk of disruption is increased by thunderstorms and forest fires that could potentially damage signals, tracks, and overhead cables. Several regions of Germany, particularly the southwest, are experiencing a June with temperatures far higher than the seasonal average.