Europe’s infrastructure is struggling amid an intense heatwave that has seen record-breaking temperatures sweep across the continent, melting roads, buckling tram tracks and disrupting transport networks, according to reports and videos shared online. Extreme weather has damaged highways, delayed trains, strained power grids, and overwhelmed hospitals. Temperatures in many countries have even exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.Record-breaking heat hits EuropeThe heatwave that hit Western Europe earlier this week spread to central and eastern Europe over the weekend, breaking temperature records across the continent.Denmark recorded its hottest day since records began in 1874, with temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius in Ødum, north of Aarhus. Switzerland set a record of 38.8 degrees Celsius in Basel, while the Czech Republic recorded a record high of 40.8 degrees Celsius in Doksany. In the UK, Friday became the hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 37.3C, breaking a record dating back to 1976.
Road cracks, rail travel disrupted
Germany’s transport network bears the brunt of the sweltering heat. As the temperature approached 40 degrees Celsius, concrete slabs on the A2 motorway outside Berlin burst due to high temperatures, causing damage to part of the highway and forcing the road to be closed. Heat-related damage was also reported on other highways.In France, the heatwave has also put pressure on critical infrastructure, with reports of melted roads, power outages and delayed trains disrupting daily life, France 24 reported. State power supplier EDF said it had reduced power generation at some nuclear plants as extreme temperatures affected cooling operations, but added it still had enough capacity to meet power demand.Rail operator Deutsche Bahn advised against all non-essential train journeys over the weekend and warned that Germany’s transport infrastructure was being “severely affected” by record temperatures.Elsewhere, videos shared online showed roads buckling in hot weather, underscoring the growing pressure on Europe’s infrastructure.
Hospitals overcrowded, nursing homes evacuated
Heatwaves also put significant pressure on the health care system.In Germany, dozens of residents were evacuated after indoor temperatures at a nursing home in Dormagen reached 35 degrees Celsius. One resident died overnight, but authorities said it was unclear whether the heat was to blame.Even as temperatures begin to drop in some areas, French hospitals are still facing a surge in heat-related emergencies. Paris and 36 other regions remained under the highest heat alert on Saturday, with nearly 3,000 patients arriving at public hospital emergency rooms for a second day in a row, about a third more than usual.The Paris Public Hospital Authority has activated emergency plans in all 38 hospitals, and the call volume of the medical dispatch center has increased by nearly 80% compared with the same period last year. Concerns about hospital capacity have also forced the postponement of the Paris Pride parade and the cancellation of a three-day music festival.
Italy, UK remain alert
Italy issued a red heat alert for 18 cities, including Rome, Venice, Florence, Bologna and Milan, as tourists sought relief in fountains and shady streets, while vendors sold bottled water, hats and umbrellas.In the UK, a yellow heat warning remains in force, although temperatures are expected to ease over the weekend. Police on Saturday pulled the bodies of a 22-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy from rivers and lakes, bringing the country’s heat toll this week to four, the Associated Press reported. Authorities urged people to avoid swimming in unsupervised waters.
