In a striking weather pattern, the UK shattered a century-old temperature record twice in 24 hours amid a heatwave affecting Western Europe. Government warnings about threats to life followed as temperatures soared.
According to the Met Office, 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) was recorded at both London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport, surpassing a record of 34.8 Celsius (94.6 Fahrenheit) set a day earlier at Kew. This exceeded the long-standing record of 32.8 Celsius (91.4 Fahrenheit) from 1922 and 1944. In Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, people took to open-air pools to cool down.
London experienced a rare “tropical night,” with temperatures not dropping below 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). In France, temperatures climbed to 36 degrees Celsius (97 Fahrenheit) in the southwest, remaining over 20 degrees Celsius at night. Météo-France noted that a “heat dome,” due to a high-pressure front, caused temperatures to rise more than 10 degrees Celsius above the norm for this season.
The frequency of extreme weather events is increasing as the planet continues to warm. Climate experts assert that such heatwaves are more severe due to greenhouse gas emissions. Peter Thorne, director at the ICARUS Climate Research Centre, highlighted the extraordinary nature of these temperature records, especially in the UK and France.
Following a long weekend enticing crowds to beaches and parks, London commuters faced uncomfortable conditions in unairconditioned subway cars. Train service disruptions at Waterloo station occurred due to smoke reports. In Scotland, firefighters extinguished a grass fire at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber health alert, cautioning about potential risks, particularly for the elderly, during peak heat. The UK’s temperate climate leaves many homes and businesses without air conditioning, highlighting vulnerability. Several drownings were reported, with at least three teenagers and a 60-year-old man losing their lives in water-related incidents.
In France, at least seven heat-related deaths were reported, including drownings and deaths during sports events. With lifeguards not yet on duty, beachgoers face increased risks. Seaside areas along France’s Atlantic coast saw increased emergencies, with two drownings in Gironde resorts.
Regional administrator Sophie Brocas advised caution for beach visitors. The heat extended to Spain, where temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) in Seville, with the Iberian Peninsula similarly impacted by higher than average temperatures. In Rome, temperatures were also expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 Fahrenheit).
Further reporting contributed by Associated Press writers John Leicester in Paris and Joseph Wilson in Barcelona.
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