A rapid study by the World Weather Attribution group has concluded that Europe's record-breaking heatwave would have been 'virtually impossible' without human-induced climate change. Researchers say extreme temperatures are now up to 200 times more likely than just two decades ago.

Millions across France, Italy, Spain and the UK have faced temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), with high nighttime heat preventing recovery. The study found that a similar event in 1976 would have been about 3.5°C cooler during the day and significantly cooler at night.

Nearly half of 850 analyzed European cities have reached or are expected to reach record heat-stress levels, combining temperature and humidity. London Ambulance Service reported its highest ever number of life-threatening emergencies in a single day due to extreme heat.

Paris police chief Patrice Faure announced a ban on public alcohol consumption from midday Friday, citing 'saturation point in hospital facilities' and rising hospitalizations. The ban runs from noon Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday and again on Saturday.

German rail operator Deutsche Bahn offered refunds for tickets due to extreme heat for the first time, recommending passengers postpone or cancel trips. The company cited risks to points and safety technology from intense sunlight.

Spain's MoMo monitoring system estimates 212 excess deaths between Sunday and Wednesday possibly linked to the heatwave, more than double the 98 deaths in the same period last year. Mainland Spain recorded its highest mean daily temperatures for June since at least 1950.

UN climate chief Simon Stiell stated that 'Europe's savage heatwave has the fingerprints of the climate crisis all over it' and warned that extreme heat will keep worsening until humanity stops burning fossil fuels.

Source: www.dw.com