Europe heatwave moves east, Germany and Poland brace for 40C temperatures

A severe heatwave that has shattered temperature records and caused numerous deaths across Western Europe is now forecast to move east, with Germany and Poland bracing for conditions potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

Preliminary data indicated that Germany recorded a temperature exceeding 41 C on Friday near Saarbruecken, a new record. France has reported dozens of heat-related fatalities, and disruptions have affected rail travel, power generation, schools, and outdoor events. Organizers of the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt shortened parts of the race due to the extreme heat.

German rail operator Deutsche Bahn is allowing customers to cancel long-distance travel without charge due to the strain on infrastructure. While the most intense heat is expected to peak over the weekend, heavy thunderstorms are forecast for Sunday. Scientists attribute the severity of the heatwave to manmade climate change, noting that such conditions would have been extremely unlikely without it.