health
UK and Switzerland record hottest ever June day as health emergencies surge in Europe
Temperatures linked to third child’s death in France, where three-quarters of country is under extreme heat alert
TL;DR
- UK and Switzerland recorded their hottest-ever June temperatures.
- Extreme heat in Europe linked to a third toddler's death in France and increased medical emergencies.
- Record-breaking temperatures and sweltering nights affected large parts of western Europe.
- Public services, including nuclear power plants, schools, and emergency services, were strained by the heat.
- Spain estimated hundreds of deaths could be attributed to the heatwave.
- Scientists attribute the severity and likelihood of heatwaves to carbon pollution from burning fossil fuels.
- Experts warn that extreme heat will worsen without a reduction in carbon emissions.
- The UK has implemented measures such as heat-health alerts and is considering better school infrastructure.
- Water usage restrictions and heat plans are being introduced in some areas, like London.
- Surface temperatures in London reached extreme levels on pavements and playgrounds.