Heateave Lahore, heateave London 

Hot summer, heatwave, alerts and such words are associated with summer of Pakistan. Now, we are seeing this in London. When I am in Lahore, it is quite classic and easy to beat the heat. We have several desi totkay to counter the summer onslaught. We can rush to a popular drink shop of falooda, lassi, and ice cream. We can go to a swimming pool, or take a dip in the Lahore canal. But while in London, the only escape is that I have to be indoors.

This week, I realized that heat does not respect borders anymore. Europe is going through a heatwave that is breaking records everywhere. The wave started in the west and is now moving towards the east. Tens of millions of people are feeling it this weekend.

The German weather department has given a warning. It says more temperature records may fall in the coming days. Several countries in Eastern Europe have already issued red alerts. This is the highest level of warning a weather office can give.

About 193 million people may face temperatures above thirty five degrees Celsius this weekend. This heatwave has already created new records in Britain, France, and Switzerland.

I read that Denmark recorded the hottest day in its history on Saturday. The temperature in the northern area of Odense touched thirty six point six degrees Celsius. This is the highest reading since records began in the year eighteen seventy four. The weather office posted online that the day was not even over yet. That line stayed with me. It showed how serious this heat truly is.

Sadly, several people have lost their lives due to heat and drowning incidents. Emergency health services in many countries say they are under heavy pressure. In France, Germany, and the Netherlands, many street festivals and music events have been cancelled. Yet despite the heat warnings, Pride marches in Budapest and Munich went ahead as planned.

Switzerland and France even shut down some nuclear reactors for a short time. The reason is simple. River water is used to cool these reactors, and the rivers have become too warm.

Germany issued a red alert for most of the country. Temperatures there may reach forty two degrees Celsius. This could break the national record set only one day earlier. Scientists say these repeated heatwaves are clear signs of climate change caused by human activity. They warn that such heatwaves may become more frequent, longer, and more intense in the future.

Experts explain that hot air from North Africa has formed something called a heat dome over Europe. This is why temperatures have risen so sharply. 

By the way, what is a heat dome? I heard this word for the first time. This may become a familiar word in the coming summer. 

The Czech Republic, Hungary, and Moldova have also issued top level warnings. Balkan countries are preparing for more hot days ahead.

In France, hospitals are struggling. The deputy mayor of Paris for health said hospitals are full, ambulance calls have increased sharply, and stretchers are lined up in hallways. He called it a serious health crisis.

Even with all this heat, some traditions continue. The Berlin Philharmonic decided to hold its open air concert despite an expected temperature of forty one degrees. They simply relaxed the dress code for the evening.

Sitting here in London, I now understand that summer is no longer a season confined to one part of the world. It travels, and right now, it has truly arrived in Europe.