An intense heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with many countries setting new temperature records. France has reported at least 18 deaths, including two children found dead in a car. In the UK, meteorological authorities have warned that temperatures this week could break historical records for June.
According to Reuters, in France, temperatures in the western wine-producing region of Bordeaux rose to 41.9°C, breaking the record set in August last year. The central city of Poitiers reached 41.2°C, surpassing the historical high set in 1947. In Spain, the northern city of San Sebastián, which typically enjoys a cooler climate, is forecast to reach 40°C – more than double the historical average for June 22 in the city.
The extreme heat has already disrupted daily life in France. The Ministry of Education said that more than a thousand schools nationwide have suspended classes or adjusted school hours. Some schools have even advised parents to keep their children at home to avoid prolonged exposure to high classroom temperatures.
In addition, in the southern French town of Carpentras, a mother found her two children – aged 2 and 4 – dead in a car parked outside their home. Investigators believe the extreme heat may have been the primary cause of death.
The UK Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning – its highest alert level – indicating that temperatures could pose a danger to life and may cause critical infrastructure, including roads and railways, to be shut down. On June 22, the Met Office said the UK is set to experience a four-day heatwave that could push temperatures in some areas above 39°C, easily breaking the previous June record of 35.6°C, jointly set in 1957 and 1976.
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