Heatwaves, drought grip Europe, fuelling calls for global action

EXTREME heat and worsening drought conditions are gripping large parts of Europe, fueling wildfires and prompting urgent weather alerts across multiple countries.

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Scientists and international agencies warn that this crisis is part of a broader "new era of drought," driven by climate change and posing escalating threats to food security, ecosystems, and national economies.

Germany is experiencing what may be its hottest day of the year on Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius, according to the German Weather Service, which has issued extreme heat warnings across much of the country and highlighted a rising risk of wildfires, especially in the southeast.

Similar conditions are unfolding across Central Europe. In the Czech Republic, the national meteorological institute warned of "very high temperatures" and increased fire danger, with some regions expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius, reports Xinhua news agency.

Prague's emergency services have already responded to multiple heat-related incidents, and a fire ban remains in effect.

Slovakia's meteorological authority issued its highest-level red alert for 10 districts on Thursday, forecasting highs up to 38 degrees Celsius as warm air masses from the west intensify the heat.

Neighbouring Croatia and Romania are also on alert, with peak temperatures expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius and 37 degrees Celsius, respectively.

In the Netherlands, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute confirmed the country's first official heatwave in three years. De Bilt, the national reference station, recorded five consecutive days above 30 degrees Celsius, prompting a code orange alert in the southeastern provinces.