The United Kingdom recorded a provisional high of 36.4°C on Thursday, according to the Met Office, making it the hottest June day on record. The extreme heat is part of a wider heatwave affecting much of Western Europe, with temperatures remaining well above seasonal averages.
The heatwave has gripped much of Western Europe, with exceptionally high temperatures recorded in France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
In Paris, temperatures reached 40.9°C earlier this week, setting a new June record for the French capital.
Authorities across Europe have issued widespread health warnings, urging residents to adjust their daily routines and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
France has activated its highest level of health system mobilisation, allowing hospitals to postpone non-urgent procedures to prioritise heat-related cases.
In the UK, the Met Office extended a red heat alert across large parts of the country, marking the first time such warnings have remained in place for three consecutive days.
Officials in several countries have reported deaths linked to the extreme temperatures and associated risks.
In France, at least 48 people have died in drowning incidents since the start of the heatwave, with many attempting to cool off in unsafe conditions.
Germany has also reported more than 20 fatalities in swimming-related accidents, according to the German Life Saving Association.
Italy has reported additional heat-related deaths, with growing concern over the impact on vulnerable workers and those employed outdoors.
Education systems across Europe have been significantly affected by the extreme heat.
In France, around 13,500 schools have closed or switched to modified timetables because of dangerously high indoor temperatures.
In the UK, more than 1,000 schools have been partially or fully closed, with classroom temperatures in some areas exceeding 40°C.
Authorities warned that disruption could continue as the heatwave is expected to persist for several more days.
Meteorologists attribute the extreme conditions to a weather pattern known as an Omega block, which traps hot air over large regions for extended periods.
The phenomenon, named after the Greek letter Ω, disrupts normal atmospheric circulation and can intensify both heatwaves and storms.
Scientists also say climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Labour authorities in several countries have warned of heightened risks for outdoor workers, particularly in construction, agriculture and delivery services.
In Italy alone, trade unions estimate that up to 1.5 million workers could be affected during periods of peak heat.
Some regions have introduced bans on outdoor work during the hottest part of the day, alongside emergency financial support for affected businesses.
Demand for air conditioning has risen sharply across Southern and Western Europe, despite historically lower usage than in many other parts of the world.
Manufacturers including Samsung Electronics, Midea and Mitsubishi Electric have reported increased sales as households and businesses seek relief from the soaring temperatures.
UN climate officials say the heatwave reflects a broader trend of increasingly severe climate extremes linked to global warming.
The combination of prolonged heat, pressure on infrastructure and growing public health risks has renewed debate across Europe about climate adaptation and preparedness.
From school closures to overcrowded hospitals and disrupted transport, the heatwave has significantly affected daily life across much of Western Europe.
Residents and tourists alike have struggled to cope with temperatures rarely seen in the region, while many public spaces have been forced to adapt their operations or close during the hottest hours of the day.
Authorities continue to urge caution as the heatwave is expected to persist before cooler conditions gradually return.
Iran has warned it will retaliate against any attacks on its infrastructure, saying Israel "will not be spared", according to state media. Meanwhile, ...
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered Pakistan's economic growth forecast for FY2027 to 3.7%, down from its April 2026 projection of 4.5%....
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Thursday that his recent talks with U.S. President Donald Trump would likely produce a “positive out...
Iran has warned it will retaliate against any attacks on its infrastructure, saying Israel "will not be spared", according to state media. Meanwhile, a U.S. official said technical talks with Tehran were continuing.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered Pakistan's economic growth forecast for FY2027 to 3.7%, down from its April 2026 projection of 4.5%.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has approved a new agreement governing the supply of natural gas from Azerbaijan to neighbouring Georgia.
A cholera outbreak in Sudan is at risk of spiralling further as fighting, mass displacement and the start of the rainy season make it harder to contain the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the conflict was "over", adding he did not want to engage with Tehran, calling the Iranian leadership "sick people".
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Right-wing British politician Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78. The death of the former Conservative MP, television personality and Reform UK spokesperson was announced by her management company on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
Ukraine and the United States have reached a political agreement on licences to produce Patriot missile interceptors in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment