Denmark has recorded its highest temperature since weather records began, with the mercury climbing to 37.0 degrees Celsius on Saturday amid the intense heatwave affecting much of Europe.
The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) initially announced on X at about 2:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) that temperatures had reached 36.6°C north of Odense, making it the hottest day recorded in the country since measurements began in 1874.
At the time, the agency noted that the day was not yet over, suggesting the record could still be surpassed.
Just an hour later, DMI confirmed a new national temperature record after thermometers registered 37.0°C in both Beldringe, north of Odense, and Odum, north of Aarhus.
DMI meteorologist Rasmus Stoltze Hansen said the readings established a new all-time high for Denmark, surpassing the previous record of 36.4°C, which was set in August 1975.
The weather agency had earlier warned that soaring temperatures from the ongoing European heatwave could break the country's long-standing record.
The extreme weather forced many residents and visitors in Copenhagen to seek relief by gathering around public fountains or swimming in the city's harbour.
Speaking to AFP after cooling off in the harbour, Lasse Fjeldgaard, a 26-year-old environmental engineer, admitted the scorching conditions had become overwhelming.
"I'm feeling a bit better now, but yeah I'm slowly melting away," he said.
Another resident, Serine Helland, a 28-year-old consultant from Norway living in Copenhagen, urged people to stay hydrated and remain in shaded areas, noting that such temperatures are difficult for anyone to endure.
The record-breaking heat also coincided with the opening of the Roskilde Music Festival, where one attendee told Danish broadcaster DR that carrying luggage to the campsite in the extreme heat was "unbearable."
According to DR, festival organisers responded by providing additional water stations for the approximately 50,000 people attending the event.
Commenting on the development, TV2 meteorologist Peter Tanev said climate scientists had long predicted that Denmark's long-standing heat record would eventually be broken.
He attributed the increasing frequency of severe heatwaves to global warming, noting that Denmark is now experiencing the same extreme summer temperatures affecting many other European countries.
Tanev added that it may only be a matter of time before Denmark experiences temperatures of 40°C.
Across Europe, several countries have also shattered previous temperature records as the deadly heatwave continues.
An AFP analysis estimated that nearly 200 million people were expected to experience temperatures above 35°C on Saturday, with record-breaking heat affecting countries including Britain, France, and Switzerland.
The prolonged heat has contributed to numerous deaths linked to heat-related illnesses and drowning incidents, while emergency services in several countries have reported that their resources are under severe pressure.
DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reports that authorities across Europe continue to urge residents to take precautions as the unprecedented heatwave persists.
AFD
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