Kathmandu— Millions of people across Europe were set to experience another period of intense heat on Wednesday, as a new heat wave impacts the world’s fastest-warming continent. Temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) are expected in France, Italy and Spain, affecting approximately 92 million people. Over half of Europe's population – around 300 million individuals – will see temperatures surpass 30 C as this latest heat wave follows the warmest June-July period on record for Western Europe, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Rising Temperatures Across The Continent

Temperatures in Europe are rising at twice the rate of other continents, data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) indicates. Germany is forecast to see highs of 34 C on Wednesday, climbing to 37 C on Thursday and potentially reaching 39 C by Friday in western and southern regions. This marks the third extreme heat event for Germany this summer.

The impact extends beyond discomfort, with prolonged heat causing water levels on the Rhine River to fall to record lows. As one of Europe’s key waterways for transporting goods like grain, minerals, and fuel, these low levels are disrupting supply chains and impacting both Germany's environment and economy.

Southern Europe Faces Renewed Risks

France, Spain, and Italy are also bracing for extremely high temperatures exceeding 35 C. The new heat wave arrives just weeks after France and Spain battled some of their worst wildfires on record. In Spain, where several fires remain active, the national weather agency AEMET is warning of continued elevated temperatures.

Millions are expected to gather in Spain to witness a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, prompting authorities to deploy over 33,000 law enforcement personnel to observation areas already affected by drought. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska emphasized the need for “extreme preventive measures,” urging visitors to avoid fires, littering, and parking vehicles near dry vegetation.

Heat Wave Extends Beyond Southern Europe

The heat wave is not limited to southern regions; it’s also expected to spread into southeastern Europe, impacting countries like Greece, Albania, and Croatia. The United Kingdom is also preparing for temperatures above 30 C, with the Met Office predicting this year will be the hottest summer on record for the country.

Several European nations, including Germany, France, and Spain, have already broken temperature records throughout the summer.

The current heat wave underscores a pattern of increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events across Europe, raising concerns about long-term environmental and economic consequences.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.