40 Drown in France Amid Europe Heatwave; UK Issues Second Red Warning
A heatwave across Europe has caused 40 drownings in France in five days. Britain, France, Italy, and Spain issued red alerts, with the UK's Met Office issuing its second-ever red warning. The extreme heat is linked to human-induced climate change.
Forty people, mostly young, have drowned in France over the past five days while seeking relief during a European heatwave. Britain, France, Italy, and Spain issued red alerts and health warnings. Ireland expects temperatures up to 31 degrees this week.
France has been severely affected, with Nantes forecasting highs of 43 degrees. The country recorded its hottest night since 1947 from Monday to Tuesday, leading to over 1,350 school closures on Monday. Heat-related deaths include two children found in a family car.
In the UK, the Met Office issued its second-ever red heat warning for parts of central and south England for Wednesday and Thursday, indicating a risk to life and potential infrastructure closures. Temperatures are forecast to reach 40 degrees. Chief scientist Stephen Belcher linked the extreme heat to human-induced climate change. Rail passengers were advised against non-essential travel due to numerous cancellations.
Nearly all of Spain is under a heat alert, with some regions at the highest warning level. Italy has placed 15 cities under a red heat alert.