A severe heatwave is gripping western Europe, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40C in parts of England and Wales, according to meteorologists. The 'heat dome' settling over the region has prompted red alerts and emergency measures in several countries.
UK Braces for Record June Temperatures
The Met Office has issued a four-day extreme heat warning, predicting temperatures of up to 38C in London. The UK is amid rare red warnings over extreme temperatures that are expected to hit record highs for June. Pedestrians on Westminster Bridge were seen using fans to cool down, while paddle-boarders at Tynemouth Beach enjoyed the sunrise off the north-east coast of England.
France Under Red Alert
French authorities placed 49 of the country's 96 mainland departments on a level 1 danger-to-life warning on Monday, with six more departments added to the red list on Tuesday. Paris is due to register its highest temperature for June, reaching 38.4C, according to preliminary numbers from Météo-France. Workers on construction sites in Paris drank water to cope, and people queued to buy pedestal fans and humidifiers at electronics stores. In Bordeaux, the emergency department at Pellegrin hospital was on high alert as the department of Gironde was placed on red alert. Severe thunderstorms also hit northern France during the heatwave.
Spain's First Official Heatwave
Spain's first official heatwave of the summer began on Sunday, with daytime highs of up to 42C and sweltering nights. Madrid was placed under an orange alert by Spain's state meteorological agency. In Valencia, a woman used a fan to protect herself from the sun, while in Córdoba, a tourist cooled off. In Ronda, a woman cooled off in a fountain.
Italy Issues Red Alerts for 12 Cities
Italy issued heatwave red alerts for 12 cities, including Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Rome. People queued to get drinking water near the Colosseum, and tourists cooled off beside outdoor misting fans. In Pisa, tourists visited Piazza dei Miracoli near the Leaning Tower amid the scorching heat.
Germany and Other Regions
In Berlin, a woman cooled off at a mist-spraying fountain set up as a cooling point. The heatwave has affected large parts of Europe, with authorities urging caution and providing cooling stations.
