Western Europe experienced a significant heatwave, breaking temperature records and prompting warnings from governments about life-threatening conditions. On Tuesday, the UK recorded its hottest temperature for the second day in a row. London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport saw temperatures reach 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit). This surpassed the previous record of 34.8 C (94.6 F) set a day earlier at Kew. These new figures eclipsed the old record of 32.8 C (91.4 F), which had stood since 1922 and was matched in 1944.
Amid the heat, several drownings were reported as individuals attempted to cool off. Britain and France each noted fatalities, including at least three teenagers in the UK and seven deaths in France. The latter included five drownings and two incidents during sports activities.
France also experienced record temperatures, with the southwest region recording 36 C (97 F) on Monday. Nighttime temperatures mostly remained above 20 C. According to Météo-France, a ‘heat dome’ caused by a high-pressure weather front was responsible for these extreme conditions. Such phenomena have become more frequent due to climate change and rising greenhouse gas emissions, experts said.
Dr. Peter Thorne from the ICARUS Climate Research Centre at Maynooth University stated, ‘We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that heatwave events like this have been made more likely and severe due to climate change.’ The situation in the UK saw people flocking to beaches, pools, and parks, with London commuters enduring hot subway conditions. Smoke on train tracks disrupted Waterloo station services, and firefighters battled a grass fire at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber health alert, highlighting potential health risks, especially for older individuals. In France, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon indicated the heightened risk due to the early timing of the heatwave before the usual summer beach season.
In Spain, temperatures also surged, reaching 38 C (100 F) in Seville over the weekend. The Iberian Peninsula recorded temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius higher than the norm. Rome was expected to experience temperatures of 32 C (89.6 F) during the same period.
Both France and Spain observed increased incidents related to the extreme heat. French officials reported two drowning deaths at Gironde region resorts, while Spain’s weather service warned of early summer-like conditions.
With climate change driving more extreme weather, Western Europe’s early heatwave has drawn significant concern from authorities and environmental experts alike.