An unusual heatwave is sweeping across western Europe, with daytime temperatures nearing 40C and authorities in several countries activating emergency measures and urging residents to take precautions. The hot spell is relatively early in the season and is expected to persist in the coming days over Britain, France, Spain and Italy, while central Europe is forecast to remain milder. Meteorologists say similar heatwaves have become common almost every summer in recent years as global warming raises baseline temperatures and other climate patterns intensify the effect.
In Britain, flooding and thunderstorms hit this morning, disrupting transport in southern England, cutting power in some areas and sparking several fires. The UK has issued a heat warning for London and southern England through Thursday evening, with officials expecting Wednesday and Thursday to set new records. The BBC said average temperatures could reach 40C, while authorities believe the June record of 35.6C, set in Hampshire in 1976, may be broken today. Some bus services will be suspended and train speeds reduced because the heat could expand rail tracks. Schools have been told to help pupils cope, and some in the warning zone, including London, have already closed. Officials warned the conditions pose a
