Record high temperatures hit Western Europe

The German Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for Thursday,saying that temperatures could rise to record levels, especially in the upperRhine region and western parts of the country.

Thermometers reached 40.5 C (105 F) on Wednesday in Geilenkirchen,according to a measuring station at a NATO base in the northwestern town.

If confirmed, it would top the official all-time temperature record inthe country since measurements began in 1881.

Belgium also faced its hottest day since 1881, causing the RoyalMeteorological Institute raised its alarm level to red for the first time inits history.

The temperature is expected to top 40 C in some areas of Belgium onThursday, and officials are warning people to take safety measures.

Peak misery

The Netherlands saw its hottest day in 75 years on Wednesday, said theRoyal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.

The Dutch orange alarm will continue through Saturday due to theheatwave, said authorities.

Austria is staring down its hottest summer in some 253 years ofrecord-keeping, according to state weather officials.

The United Kingdom's Met Office said on Thursday, the mercury will hit apunishing 39 C (102 F), the hottest ever in this country.

Michael Dukes, director of forecasting at UK weather forecast companyMetDesk, told Anadolu Agency that the exceptional heat across Western Europewill peak on Thursday, when many countries may «well break» records.

«The heat has been caused by a plume of intense hot air movingnorthwards across Western Europe from North Africa,» Dukes said.

He said a similar pattern in June also led to record-breaking heat.

«It really is a big concern that we are so frequently breaking heatrecords,» Dukes added.

Scientists have warned that without drastic changes, the global climatecrisis will lead to unlivable levels of heat worldwide.

Paris is burning

In France, a red alert was announced for the capital Paris and thecountry’s north. Temperatures are expected to top 40°C.

Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said that the heatwave is expected to affect20 million people.

Italy has also risen its alarm levels due to high temperatures, and theHealth Ministry warned of extreme heatwaves in 13 cities, including the capitalRome.

The mercury is expected to reach 40 C in those cities.

* Ayhan Simsek from Berlin, Hasan Esen from London, Yusuf Ozcan fromParis, and Baris Seckin from Rome contributed to this story.