Key facts
- Britain recorded its hottest June day at 36.4 C.
- The heatwave has caused at least 55 deaths in France and dozens across Europe.
- Extreme heat buckled a German motorway, causing damage and minor injuries.
- The Netherlands issued its first-ever red alert for extreme heat.
- Scientists state the heatwave would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.
Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures in the UK and widespread disruptions across the continent. Britain recorded its hottest June day at 36.4 C, surpassing the previous record from 1976. Health authorities are on high alert, with at least 55 deaths reported in France and dozens across Europe. The extreme heat has led to the closure of cultural landmarks, damage to infrastructure like roads, and significant impacts on farming.
Temperatures have peaked in France and Britain but are expected to intensify in Italy, potentially reaching 40 C. The Netherlands has issued its first-ever red alert for extreme heat, while Serbia is under an amber alert. Scientists attribute the severity of this heatwave to human-caused climate change, noting that such events are becoming significantly more likely.
In response to the heat, sales of fans and air conditioning units have surged. French authorities have banned alcohol consumption in public spaces, and hospitals are reporting an increase in emergency calls. The impact on healthcare workers has been described as 'apocalyptic'.