Scattered thunderstorm activity affected parts of Western and Central Europe in June amid an intensifying heat wave, causing economic and insured losses that could reach hundreds of millions of euros, according to Aon’s latest weekly Cat Report.
In addition, the report said that extreme heat has killed dozens of people, and as excess mortality data emerges, the final death toll is expected to rise significantly.
Starting on June 18, a strong high-pressure system over western and central Europe triggered a severe heat wave, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C (86°F).
While many areas remained dry, strong but scattered thunderstorms were seen across the region.
The storm group produced large hail, damaging winds and heavy rain from northeastern France through Belgium and the Netherlands to western and northern Germany.
By June 22, these effects spread to eastern and southeastern Europe, where isolated storms brought hail, strong winds, and heavy showers.
According to Aon’s report, total economic and insured losses from recent thunderstorm activity are expected to be in the hundreds of millions of euros, mainly due to hail, with additional impacts from high winds and heavy rainfall.
The report also reveals the impact of the late June heatwave on Europe so far.
The heat wave is driven by the ongoing “Omega Block” pattern, which creates a powerful heat dome over Western and Central Europe.
The strong upper-level ridge acts like a lid on the atmosphere, trapping very hot, dry Saharan air and limiting relief from passing lows or fronts.
As a result, high temperatures intensified over several days, creating an unusually long and widespread event with temperatures up to 10°C (18°F) above normal.Many areas.
Daily maximum temperatures reach over 40 degrees Celsius in the Iberian Peninsula, France, the UK and the Benelux, with temperatures expected to move eastwards throughout June.
France had its hottest day ever on June 24, with the national average temperature at 29.9°C (85.8°F), surpassing the previous record. As of June 25, the highest reported temperatures were Palluau, France, at 43.8°C (110.8°F); Ramales de la Victoria, Spain, at 42.9°C (109.2°F); and Merryfield, England, at 36.7°C (98.1°F).
France has issued heat warnings for 72 provinces and has reported at least 48 drownings since June 18, while Spain estimates at least 212 heat-related deaths.
Aon warns that as more information becomes available about excess mortality from extreme heat, we will provide further updates and analysis and expect the final death toll to rise significantly.
