France Records 301 Drownings Since Mid-June as Heatwaves Continue
Europe has experienced a summer of extreme heat and severe storms, with France recording 301 drownings since mid-June linked to heatwaves, Latvia hit by its strongest summer storm in at least 60 years that cut power to hundreds of thousands, and the United States seeing localized severe thunderstorms and flash flooding.
France Reports Sharp Rise in Drownings Amid Heatwaves
France has seen 301 drownings since 19 June, a 14% increase from last year, which the sports and youth minister linked to prolonged heatwaves that have also caused wildfires, excess deaths, and infrastructure disruptions. [3] Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari told France Inter radio the number of deaths was a "tragic toll". [3] Ferrari said people have been taking risks by going into the water, adding: "Many deadly accidents have occurred in areas that are not authorised or supervised for swimming." [3] She said a number of the drownings were recorded in "open water, in canals for example". [3] Ferrari said the government was working with regional authorities "to improve swimming areas and make things safer". [3] Speaking on Friday, she added that "many drownings, particularly among the elderly, occurred in individual pools". [3] The minister said that sudden immersion in cold water on a hot day could cause shock, and in some cases "people can also exceed their physical capabilities". [3] France, Spain and Italy have been hit by heatwaves, which have triggered massive wildfires that scorched thousands of hectares of land. [3] The June heatwave saw a nuclear power plant in southwest France temporarily shut down because water temperatures in the River Garonne topped 28C. [3] Under French laws, water used to cool the reactors at the Golfech plant must not exceed that temperature. [3] Some monuments like the Eiffel Tower also decided to close early because of the high temperatures in Paris during the June heatwave. [3] The dry conditions also saw wildfires spread across France, with the Gironde, around the city of Bordeaux, in the south-west of the country being the worse affected area, with more than 200,000 people being forced from their homes in late July. [3] France has logged 7,300 excess deaths between late May and 22 July, according to provisional figures from the public health authorities. [3]
Latvia Struck by Strongest Summer Storm in Decades
Latvia was struck by its strongest summer storm since at least 1966, with wind gusts reaching severe storm force at eight locations, leaving 191,000 households without power as of Sunday afternoon and blocking dozens of national roads. [4] The storm that struck on the night of 23 August was the strongest summer storm since at least 1966, when comprehensive records of wind gusts in Latvia began, according to information from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. [4] The previous strongest summer storm in Latvia raged on 28 and 29 July 2024, when wind gusts reached storm force at eight meteorological observation stations, and severe storm force at two stations. [4] This time, wind gusts of at least 20.7 metres per second were recorded at 14 observation stations, whilst at eight locations the wind gusts reached severe storm force, i.e. at least 24.5 metres per second. [4] At the height of the storm that batters Latvia this weekend, on Sunday morning, the electricity supply was disrupted for around 277,000 households, according to power distributor “Sadales tīkls”. [4] At around 16:30, some of the faults had been rectified and power supply was disrupted for around 191,000 customers. [4] Residents are encouraged to keep track of the current situation on the electricity network via the digital outage map, which provides information on reported power cuts. [4] As of 16.30 on 23 August, power supply had been disrupted to around 191,000 households. [4] Following the storm, several dozen national roads are partially or completely blocked. [4] “Latvian State Roads” (LVC) is asking the public to report fallen trees and washouts. [4] At present, several dozen national roads across all regions of the country are partially or completely blocked due to trees and branches that fell during the night’s storm. [4] Road users should bear in mind that it will take time to clear the roads, and traffic may therefore be disrupted for some time. [4]
Latvia experiences its strongest summer storm in at least 60 years. — Source: lsmlatvia
Storm Casualties and Emergency Response in Latvia
One person died in Jelgava, Latvia, after being trapped under collapsed building structures during the storm, while emergency services treated 14 victims including some with serious injuries. [4] According to the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD), medical staff provided assistance to a total of 14 victims; in some cases, serious injuries were also recorded. [4] A tragic accident was reported in Jelgava, where one person lost their life under collapsed building structures. [4] Fallen trees are also affecting public transport services in Rīga, and several routes are not being operated in full, according to “Rīgas satiksme”. [4] Up-to-date information can be found on the company’s website. [4] Once the damage caused by the storm has been repaired, train services are set to be gradually restored in several directions. [4] Up-to-date information on provisional timetables can be found on the “Vivi” website. [4] Meanwhile, Riga Airport has returned to its normal operating schedule and all flights are running as scheduled. [4]
Severe Thunderstorm Threatens South Dakota
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of Lawrence and Pennington counties in South Dakota, with 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail threatening vehicle damage. [1] The National Weather Service in Rapid City has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Lawrence County in west central South Dakota and West Central Pennington County in west central South Dakota until 230 PM MDT. [1] At 136 PM MDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Silver City, or 15 miles north of Hill City, moving southeast at 15 mph. [1] HAZARD includes 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail, with the source listed as radar indicated. [1] IMPACT states that hail damage to vehicles is expected. [1]
Flash Flooding Hits Utah's Capitol Reef Area
A flash flood warning was issued for south central Wayne County, Utah, after thunderstorms dropped 0.25 to 0.75 inches of rain in Capitol Reef National Park, causing ongoing or imminent flash flooding. [2] The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a Flash Flood Warning for South Central Wayne County in southern Utah until 415 PM MDT. [2] At 114 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across portions of Capitol Reef National Park, including Grand Wash, Wonderland Canyon, Timpie Canyon, and Capitol Gorge. [2] Between 0.25 and 0.75 inches of rain have fallen. [2] Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly, with the hazard described as life threatening. [2]
Broader European Heat and Political Context
Climate change is driving up temperatures around the world - but particularly in Europe. [3] Europe this summer has had to face record breaking temperatures, which caused droughts, deaths, and caused devastating wildfires. [5] While the latest heat dome has dissipated, the damage remains – the continent continues to be the fastest warming globally. [5] Will this summer serve as a global climate reckoning? [5] Answer with Stefan Eye-cot, professor of sociology at the University of Hamburg. [5]
What to watch next: Power supply disruptions in Latvia remain at around 191,000 households as of Sunday afternoon with several dozen national roads still partially or completely blocked, while train services are set to be gradually restored and Riga Airport has returned to normal operations.
