Record Heat Wave in Western Europe Disrupts Some Travel

Extreme heat in Europe this week has caused record-breaking temperatures Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, France and the UK.

The heat has triggered widespread alerts, including avoiding trains as the heat can cause the tracks to buckle (most of the region’s public transportation does not have air-conditioning).

The heat wave – dubbed “Yvonn” – is being caused by a meteorological effect know as an “omega block,” a high pressure area that sits in one place for a long period of time, stretching from the central Mediterranean to Scandinavia.

Air temperatures reached a record of 38.1 Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in England on Thursday, according to The Met Office, the national weather service.

Authorities in Britain have advised against traveling by train, especially on the London Underground, where temperatures in the city tunnels are expected to reach as high as 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Britain’s Network Rail said to expect significant disruptions. To keep trains running safely, speed restrictions are being put in place to reduce the risk of rails buckling in the heat, with fewer trains running. Other railways have advised people not to travel unless necessary.

Temperatures in Paris topped 42.6 Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit) at 1:31 pm local time, the hottest-ever in recorded history, Météo-France said Thursday. 

French rail operator SNCF advised train passengers only to travel if absolutely necessary.

French authorities have installed mist showers, extended hours at public swimming pools, opened cool rooms in designated public buildings and are keeping some parks open all night, to help people cope with the heat.

Meanwhile, Germany hit an all-time high for the second day in a row. Thursday hit a high of 41.9 Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the German Weather Service, following yesterday’s record of 40.5 Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit).

The heatwave has caused low water in the Danube prompted authorities on Wednesday to ban hotel ships from using a stretch upstream near Vilshofen in Bavaria.

Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute station in Deelen measured a new high of 40 C (104 F) on Thursday at 1:55 p.m. (7:55 a.m. ET). Since then, temperatures have continued to rise — it is now 41.7 C.

Travelers using the country’s major airport hub—Amsterdam Schiphol—could face delays, although the taxiways are being sprayed with water to keep the tarmac cool.