Heatwave leaves Europe struggling as roads melt and tracks buckle

Large parts of Europe are facing an intense heatwave that has disrupted transport systems, strained hospitals and damaged critical infrastructure as temperatures continue to break records across the continent.

Several countries have reported temperatures above 40 degree Celsius, with roads cracking, railway services being disrupted and power networks coming under pressure.

Temperature records fall across Europe

The heatwave, which first affected western Europe earlier in the week, has now spread to central and eastern parts of the continent.

Per a report by The Times of India, Denmark recorded its highest temperature since records began in 1874, with 37 degrees recorded in Ødum. Switzerland registered 38.8 degree Celsius in Basel, while the Czech Republic saw a record 40.8 degrees in Doksany.

The United Kingdom also experienced its hottest June day on record, with temperatures reaching 37.3 degree Celsius and surpassing the previous record set in 1976.

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Roads damaged and train services affected

Germany's transport infrastructure was among the worst affected. Extreme heat damaged sections of the A2 motorway near Berlin after concrete slabs expanded and burst, forcing authorities to close parts of the road.

Other highways also reported damage linked to high temperatures.

In France, reports of melting roads, power outages and delays in train services added to the disruption. Electricity provider EDF reduced output at some nuclear power plants because high temperatures affected cooling operations, TOI reported.

Rail operator Deutsche Bahn advised passengers to avoid unnecessary travel and warned that Germany's transport network was being "severely affected" by the record-breaking temperatures.

Videos shared online also showed roads deforming under the heat, highlighting the pressure on infrastructure.

Hospitals face growing pressure

The heatwave has also increased pressure on healthcare systems.

In Germany, residents were evacuated from a nursing home in Dormagen after indoor temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius. One resident died overnight, though officials said it was unclear whether the heat was responsible.

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Paris and 36 other French regions remained under the highest heat alert. Nearly 3,000 patients visited emergency departments for a second consecutive day, TOI reported.

Meanwhile, Italy continued red alerts in 18 cities, while amber warnings remained in force in parts of the United Kingdom as authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary exposure to the heat.

FAQs:

Which countries recorded extreme temperatures during the heatwave?

Countries including Denmark, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, France and the UK recorded unusually high temperatures.

How has the heatwave affected infrastructure in Europe?

The extreme heat has damaged roads, disrupted rail services and increased pressure on hospitals and power systems.