WHO Warns Europe of 'Deadly Weeks' Due to New Heatwave Forming Over the Atlantic

The World Health Organization (DSÖ) has issued a severe warning that the European continent could experience much more "deadly weeks" in the coming days due to the formation of yet another severe heatwave over the Atlantic. Following the events experienced in June, which went down in history as the continent's most severe heatwave, concerns regarding public health, energy systems, and wildfire risks are increasing exponentially. According to weather forecasts reported by Reuters, temperatures in southern Portugal and Spain are expected to climb up to 43 degrees Celsius in the coming days. This situation pushes the continent into a period requiring urgent measures to avoid being caught unprepared for a new round of extreme heatwave likely to bring record-breaking temperatures to Western Europe. Experts reiterate that climate change is the number one factor in the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events.

DSÖ European Regional Director Hans Kluge held an emergency meeting on Monday to evaluate the lessons learned from the recent heatwave and to discuss preparations for the approaching new meteorological crisis. At this critical meeting, attended by representatives of 41 countries from the European region as well as the European Commission and various civil society organizations, the shortcomings of current crisis management mechanisms were laid on the table. Kluge emphasized that countries with heat-health action plans in place were able to respond much faster and better protect vulnerable groups during the disaster in June. However, the fact that less than half of DSÖ European member states currently possess such preparedness plans seriously concerns authorities. The current situation reveals that all countries must urgently update and activate their emergency action plans to take proactive steps that will save lives during a crisis.

The heatwave that struck Europe between 20-28 June was characterized as the most severe meteorological event ever recorded across the continent. These extreme temperatures not only threatened human health but also caused severe disruptions in energy production and inflicted significant damage on existing infrastructure. Health systems, already struggling to meet the increased demand during the summer months, were on the verge of collapsing due to the sudden surge in heat-related illnesses. Scientists point out that Europe is warming much faster compared to many other regions in the world and that climate change is the fundamental driving force behind these extreme weather events. Approximately 3.700 excess deaths were recorded during this short-lived heatwave in countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Belgium; authorities state that this figure could be revised significantly higher in the future due to the preliminary nature of the data.

The most devastating effects of extreme temperatures leave deep marks on the most vulnerable individuals of society. Nursing home residents, the homeless, and older adults living alone constitute the groups that are still insufficiently protected and unable to access their needs during such meteorological crises. Kluge stated that ensuring these individuals are reached consistently and coherently during hot weather periods is of vital importance. Authorities noted that with the lessons learned from recent disasters, they must not only focus on correcting past mistakes but also build much more resilient health systems against increasingly frequent heatwaves. This situation necessitates a critical step requiring not only emergency response teams but also local governments and neighborhood-level support networks to work in a coordinated manner.

While the alarm level rises across Europe, the short-term meteorological outlook for Greece is reported to be hot, though it has not yet reached the disaster level threatening Portugal and southern Spain. In the coming days, temperatures in the capital Atina are expected to range between 31 and 35 degrees Celsius, in Selanik between 32-34 degrees Celsius, and in Heraklion, Girit between 29 and 32 degrees. However, even though a national heatwave alarm has been issued for Greece, authorities remain on alert regarding regional heat stress and wildfire risks. A yellow code due to high temperatures has been issued for the Orta Makedonya region, while scattered thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected in the north of the country. According to long-term forecasts from the Atina National Observatory, the probability of July being warmer than normal across Southeast Europe, including Greece, is calculated at 92 percent. This indicates that even if Greece does not become the new European heat episentrum, public health and fire risk concerns will remain high throughout July.