health
UK records its hottest June day and France its hottest day ever as heatwave sweeps Europe
Temperature of 36.1C (97F) recorded in Hampshire, while two-thirds of Europe’s population experience temperatures above 30C
TL;DR
- UK recorded its all-time temperature record for June with 36.1C (97F) in Gosport.
- France registered its hottest day ever, with national heat index reaching a new record of 30C (86F).
- Over 90 million people in Europe are affected by a heatwave, with more than 350 million exposed to temperatures above 30C.
- Extreme heat has led to school closures, cancelled events, and shortened visiting hours at major attractions in France.
- In Spain, daily average temperatures for June were the highest ever recorded.
- Italy has 16 cities under red alert, with construction workers and delivery riders advised to avoid working during peak heat.
- The Netherlands has cancelled outdoor sports and scaled down public transport due to the heat.
- Switzerland is offering free daytime cinema screenings in air-conditioned theatres.
- The UK's infrastructure and buildings are struggling to cope with the heat, leading to transport disruptions and school closures.
- The World Health Organization warns that extreme temperatures are 'putting lives at risk' and urges faster climate action.
- France has reported 40 deaths from drowning as people sought to escape the heat.
- Experts highlight that heatwaves are becoming hotter, longer, and more common due to climate breakdown.