The UK has just recorded its hottest day of the year, reaching a scorching 34.7°C (94.4°F) at St James’s Park in London. This record was set on a Tuesday afternoon, surpassing an earlier high of 34.4°C (93.9°F) noted in Writtle, Essex. The previous warmest day this year was on June 21, when Charlwood, Surrey, saw temperatures of 33.2°C (91.8°F).
The heatwave isn’t just affecting the UK; much of Europe is experiencing extreme temperatures as well. Paris recorded a sweltering 40°C (104°F), prompting the closure of over 1,300 schools across France due to health concerns. The Eiffel Tower’s summit was also closed to visitors as officials urged caution in the heat.
Italy is facing its own challenges, with 17 out of 27 major cities under a heat wave alert. Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, temperatures reached 37°C (98.6°F), leading zoo staff in Prague to distribute up to 10 tons of ice daily to keep animals cool.
Spain is not spared either, with cities like Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona reporting temperatures over 40°C. In Seville, UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked that extreme heat has become the new norm.
As the heatwave continues, wildfires have erupted in Turkey, forcing over 50,000 people to evacuate, particularly in the western province of Izmir. Strong winds have fueled the flames, making the situation even more dire.
The Met Office in the UK has indicated that Tuesday may mark the peak of this heatwave, with cooler temperatures expected to arrive from the north later on. As temperatures rise across Europe, the impacts on health and safety are becoming increasingly evident, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.