The UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 38.1C in London's Kew Gardens, as an extreme heatwave continued to grip Europe, causing wildfires, evacuations, and warnings of worse to come.
Record Heat and Government Warning
The temperature reading at Kew Gardens, confirmed at 14.24, marked the highest temperature in the UK this year. The heat has been described as “shattering” by a former chief scientific adviser to the UK government, who warned that this summer's extreme conditions were only a sign of things to come.
In the West Midlands, several homes caught alight and two people received treatment as firefighters battled a grassfire, according to reports at 18.39. The incident highlights the increased risk of fires during the heatwave.
Europe's Heatwave: France and Greece
Across Europe, temperatures exceeded 40C in several locations. France's heatwave reached its 17th consecutive day, marking the third-longest period of extreme temperatures ever recorded in the country, as noted at 12.35.
In Greece, a large wildfire threatened homes and holiday villas in the resort village of Siviri, in the country's north. A fleet of small boats evacuated more than 250 tourists and locals from the area, many still in bathing costumes, as reported at 19:41.
Impact and Future Outlook
The extreme heat has led to widespread disruption and health concerns across the continent. The former chief scientific adviser's warning underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, as such heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense.
The events of Thursday serve as a stark reminder of the immediate impacts of rising global temperatures, with emergency services and residents forced to adapt to a new reality of extreme weather.
