Germany braces for record-breaking temperatures as heatwave moves east

Several countries including the UK and Switzerland have posted record June temperatures, with deaths reported in France.A record-breaking heatwave sweeping across Western Europe has been linked to dozens of deaths, with temperatures topping 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) expected to push further east into Germany and Poland.Germany recorded a new national high of 41C (106F) near Saarbrucken on Friday, a spokesperson for Germany’s National Meteorological Service said, noting the reading was still preliminary.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4From bus drivers to horse riders, Britain struggles to bear record heatwavelist 2 of 4‘London cooking’: Why can’t the UK cope with the heat; when will it adapt?list 3 of 4Climate change the culprit for Europe’s ‘most severe’ heatwave: Reportlist 4 of 4Paris Diamond League to go ahead with safety measures amid heatwaveend of listThe United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland have all recorded record June temperatures.France has seen the heaviest toll, with deaths reported among both the young and elderly, while the extreme heat has disrupted rail travel, power generation and outdoor events across the region.Weekend peak“The heatwave is going to peak at the weekend, well over 40C (104F) in some parts of Germany,” said Karsten Brandt, a meteorologist at weather forecasting site Donnerwetter.de.The Ironman European Championship long-distance triathlon taking place on Sunday in Frankfurt shortened the cycling and running segments due to the heat, organisers said.Struggling with the prospect of damage to infrastructure, like buckling roads and swelling train tracks, several major public service providers have sought to reduce traffic.German national rail operator Deutsche Bahn has given customers the option to cancel long-distance travel bookings until early next week without charge due to the heatwave.The company said its infrastructure is under particular strain due to sun exposure and additional risks to signals, tracks, and overhead wires stemming from thunderstorms and wildfires.People sit at the side of the Dortmund-Ems Canal in Dortmund, western Germany, during a heatwave [AFP]Parts of Germany, mainly in the southwest, have already experienced a much hotter June than usual.