According to the German Weather Service, temperatures in the low-lying western regions of the country could rise to 40 to 41 degrees Celsius on Saturday (June 27). If this happens, it could break the record of 41.2 degrees Celsius set in the city of Duisburg on June 25, 2019.
Being a predominantly cold country, most homes, schools, and offices in Germany have relatively less use of fans or air conditioning (AC) systems. As a result, the sudden intense heat has caused extreme suffering for ordinary people.
Bangladeshis living in various German cities have said that although it is hotter than this in Bangladesh, people there are prepared. But in Germany, such temperatures are unusual, making it feel much more unbearable.
Due to the heatwave, class times in schools and universities have been reduced in many areas. In some places, educational institutions have been temporarily closed. Working hours have been reduced in several establishments. Many people are avoiding going outside, while others are spending time at the seaside.
According to the weather department, since June 16, the maximum temperature in the Rhine region has been above 30 degrees Celsius every day. In various areas of the southern part of the country, the heatwave may continue for 10 to 12 consecutive days. There are fears that this heatwave will spread to the eastern regions on Sunday.
However, the entry of cool air from the northwest on Monday may lead to thunderstorms. This could lower the temperature, and in most parts of the country, the maximum temperature may drop to between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius next week.
Scientists see this extreme heatwave in Europe as a direct effect of climate change. Research by the international research organization World Weather Attribution says that 50 years ago, the likelihood of such an intense heatwave under similar weather conditions was almost non-existent. At that time, the average temperature under the same circumstances would have been about 3.5 degrees Celsius lower than today.
The research also states that since 2003, the likelihood of extreme heatwaves like the current one in Europe has increased nearly tenfold. At the same time, the occurrence of warm nights, where temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees Celsius, has increased by about 100 times.
According to scientists, although the global average temperature has increased by about 1.4 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution, it has increased by about 2.5 degrees in Europe. The rapid warming of land areas and the accelerated warming of the Arctic region are considered major reasons for the temperature increase in Europe.
