Heat Wave Triggers Health Alerts, Nuclear Power Cuts in Europe
(Bloomberg) -- The heat wave searing western Europe is set to peak in the coming days, threatening power networks and triggering health alerts.
A high-pressure system combined with a stream of super-hot air from North Africa and abnormally warm oceans is baking the region from Portugal to the UK. On Sunday, Spain set a June heat record of 46C (114.8F) near El Granado in the south of the country, according to preliminary data from forecaster AEMET.
Amber health alerts have been issued for large parts of England, including London, where temperatures could reach 34C on Tuesday, according to the UK Met Office. Heat warnings are also in place for much of France, with peaks above 40C through Wednesday.
Power prices across Europe are surging as the heat drives up cooling demand, while forcing some nuclear reactors to curb generation. French day-ahead prices climbed to a three-month high in recent days, while UK day-ahead prices hit the highest since March.
Electricite de France said it was cutting production at its Golfech 1 and Blayais 1 nuclear reactors, as rising water temperatures compromise cooling operations.
Italian insurer Generali sent home thousands of workers from its Milan headquarters on Monday, after the partial collapse of the company’s sign at the top of the Hadid Tower. The cause of the incident is being investigated, as temperatures in the city soar to 36C.
Amber heat alerts are active across much Spain, where temperatures could climb to 42C on Monday.
Portugal issued red alerts as temperatures climb toward 40C. Nearly 200 firefighters used air tankers to contain a wildfire in the country’s northern Castelo Branco on Sunday.
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