Large parts of western Europe were baking Wednesday as a “heat dome” brought extreme conditions that many forecasters warned could present a risk to life.
A day after France recorded its hottest-ever day, the UK was set to see its highest ever June temperature, prompting the national weather forecaster to issue a “red heat health” alert for much of central and southern England, as well as Wales.
This is only the second such warning ever issued by UK authorities following July 2022, when temperatures exceeded 40 degrees C (104 F) for the first time ever. The temperature is set to fall short of 40 degrees C on Wednesday but could breach that level — not long ago considered as unimaginable — on Thursday.
“Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heat wave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat,” said Mark Sidaway, deputy chief forecaster for the UK Met Office.
Authorities in France, Italy and Spain have also issued warnings about the risks of extreme heat for tens of millions of people.
Records are being broken across Europe, seemingly every year, and authorities are struggling to adapt their societies to the realities of the new heat environment. Many of the buildings, work places and transport networks just aren’t fit for purpose as human-caused climate change leads to increasingly extreme weather. UN climate agency projections say the next five years are likely to shatter more heat records.
Authorities in France, Italy and Spain have also issued warnings about the risks of extreme heat for tens of millions of people.
Records are being broken across Europe, seemingly every year, and authorities are struggling to adapt their societies to the realities of the new heat environment. Many of the buildings, work places and transport networks just aren’t fit for purpose as human-caused climate change leads to increasingly extreme weather. UN climate agency projections say the next five years are likely to shatter more heat records.
Unsurprisingly, many of the country’s major attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum in Paris have restricted visiting hours while schools and transportation schedules were upended.
Some schools in England have also closed due to the heat and many train services have been canceled, with passengers urged to avoid nonessential travel in areas covered by the red warning.
Network Rail, which operates Britain’s railroad network, warned of “significant disruption” across England and Wales as it imposes speed restrictions to minimize the risk from heat-related issues such as buckled tracks and sagging overhead electric wires.
Eurostar, which connects the U.K. to continental Europe under the English Channel, said it canceled four trains planned between London and Paris on Wednesday and Thursday “due to expected adverse weather.”
Italy’s Health Ministry issued “red alerts” for 16 cities on Wednesday with major cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence and Turin affected. The “bollino rosso” red alert signals emergency conditions that can affect not only vulnerable people but also healthy adults.
Temperatures could reach highs of 41 C (105 F) in Florence and 38 C (104 F) in Milan, while Rome and Naples are forecast to remain below 36 C (96.8 F).
