The bodies of two young children were discovered in their mother's car amid a scorching 38°C heatwave in southern France. The children, aged 2 and 4, were found unresponsive in the family vehicle parked in the garage of their home in Carpentras, Provence, early this afternoon.
Circumstances of the tragedy
It remains unclear how the children entered the car or how long they were inside. Their 33-year-old mother was reportedly unaware they were in the vehicle until she made the discovery and immediately called for help. Police and firefighters were alerted around 1:10 pm, according to local newspaper La Provence, but despite their efforts, the children could not be revived.
Record-breaking heatwave in Europe
Europe is enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in parts of France. Emergency services and military forces have been placed on wildfire alert across the country. French authorities have imposed restrictions on public alcohol consumption and cancelled some outdoor sporting events. Forecasts show temperatures reaching 37°C in Rome and 39°C in Madrid on Monday.
UK issues rare red weather warning
The UK has issued a rare red alert due to excessive heat this week. Last summer was the hottest on record for the UK, with a mean temperature of 16.1°C between June and August, according to the Met Office. The previous record was held by summer 2018, followed by 2006, 2003, 2022 and 1976. The Met Office stated that this week's heatwave could see temperatures exceed 37°C in the shade and rise to 38-40°C in parts of England and Wales. High humidity and very warm nights will make recovery difficult.
The UK Health Security Agency issued a red health warning for six regions of England: the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and the East of England. This alert indicates 'a risk to life for even the healthy population' and potential impacts on transport, food, water, energy supplies, and businesses. It is only the second red heat health warning issued, following the first in July 2022 when temperatures exceeded 40°C in the UK for the first time.
Climate expert reaction
Mel Evans, Greenpeace UK's head of climate, commented: 'Today's forecast is staggering. Heatwaves are expected to get longer, hotter and more dangerous to human life, to crops and to wildlife. Ordinary people are increasingly paying the price for extreme heat they didn't cause, while fossil fuel giants continue to rake in billions.'
