Nearly half of European cities are shattering heat records, according to new research by scientists from the World Weather Attribution group. The study found that temperatures in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain were between 5°C and 12°C above the seasonal average.
Extent of the Heat Records
In 45% of 854 European cities examined, heat records had been broken or were forecast to be broken. The researchers measured what is known as the wet bulb globe temperature, a metric that combines air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation to estimate how much heat stress people are likely to experience in real-world outdoor conditions.
Impact on Cities
The analysis highlights the widespread nature of the heatwave, affecting major urban centers across the continent. Cities in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain experienced extreme temperatures, with some areas seeing unprecedented highs. The wet bulb globe temperature metric provides a more accurate measure of heat stress than simple air temperature, accounting for factors that affect human comfort and health.
Expert Commentary
According to the World Weather Attribution group, the findings underscore the urgency of addressing climate change. The high percentage of cities breaking records indicates a systemic shift rather than isolated events. The researchers emphasized that such extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming.
Broader Context
The study comes amid a summer of record-breaking heat across Europe, with multiple heatwaves causing health warnings, wildfires, and infrastructure strain. The use of wet bulb globe temperature is particularly relevant as it reflects the combined effect of heat and humidity, which can be deadly. The research serves as a stark reminder of the need for adaptation measures in urban areas.
