Europe swelters as second heat wave in two months hits 40C

Europe is again under severe heat, with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius in a second heat wave in two months. Britain, France, Spain and Italy have all extended red alerts as authorities warn of serious dangers linked to the extreme weather.

In London, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said climate change was driving the world “deeper into heat” and “closer to a disastrous tipping point,” adding, “London is boiling.” Britain’s meteorological service said its warning runs through Thursday and that there is a very high chance June temperature records will be broken in the coming days. Mark Sidaway of the service said red warnings are reserved for “the most severe events” and that this heat wave is expected to bring “serious and significant impacts,” including negative health effects for people who are not in risk groups.

France reported dozens of deaths from heat and drowning incidents, along with the closure of hundreds of schools because of the “prolonged and intense” heat wave. The national rail company advised anyone able to work from home and avoid travel, citing fears that tracks could overheat and expand. Officials also warned that maximum temperatures would remain very high nationwide, banned drinking alcohol in the streets, and urged people to drink plenty of water.

In Spain, almost the entire country is under the highest alert, described as “extraordinary danger.” In Italy, the warning covers 15 cities, including Milan and Rome, with instructions to stay indoors as much as possible during peak hours. A World Meteorological Organization report published in April said Europe is warming twice as fast as the other continents, according to the EU’s climate service. The current heat wave is being driven by hot air moving north from North Africa and trapped over parts of Europe by blocking weather systems.