Britain recorded its hottest June day on Thursday as a deadly early summer heatwave swept across Western Europe, killing dozens, disrupting power supplies, and forcing the closure of schools and cultural landmarks. French and British authorities urged people to adjust their daily routines to avoid overheating, while Paris police announced a ban on public alcohol consumption from Friday midday as hospitals struggled with heat-related cases.
Temperature Records and Health Warnings
The Met Office reported that temperatures reached 36.7 degrees Celsius in southwest England on Thursday, provisionally making it the hottest June day in British history, surpassing a record set just a day earlier. A red heat alert was extended into Friday for a large area of southern England, marking the first time such warnings have been issued for three consecutive days. A similar warning was issued for the Netherlands for Friday.
Andy Page, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, stated: "Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to adapt their daily routines to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK."
France Faces Sweltering Conditions
Paris endured another scorching day after temperatures hit a June record of 40.9 degrees Celsius (105.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday. On Thursday, the peak was just under 40 C at Parc Montsouris in the south of the city. French Health Minister Stephanie Rist told a press conference: "We are just at the start of seeing an increase in people going to emergency wards."
France implemented measures against heatwaves after one in 2003 caused nearly 15,000 excess deaths, with older people the hardest hit. This time, active younger people are a major concern. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said: "Rather, it's people aged between 50 and 70 who are generally in good health, but who think this is just a normal period and continue going about their usual activities as if nothing has changed. Really, protect yourselves."
Deaths and Drowning Incidents
At least 48 people have died in France from drowning since the start of the heatwave while trying to cool off, authorities said. Three young children have been killed by heat in cars in two separate incidents. In Germany, more than 20 people have died in swimming-related accidents since last week, according to the German Life Saving Association in a statement to Reuters.
Impact on Agriculture and Labor
The heatwave will reduce output across many French agricultural sectors, including cereals, livestock, poultry, and fruit and vegetables, particularly field-grown crops such as carrots, agriculture ministry officials told reporters. For crops that suffer significant damage, prices are likely to rise.
In Italy, the heat, expected to peak over the next three days, could endanger the health of up to 1.5 million workers, including builders, farmers, and couriers, according to estimates by the Italian CGIL trade union and Greenpeace Italy. Italian news reports said five people died on Wednesday from heat-related incidents. Several Italian regions have banned outdoor work during the hottest times of the day, and the government this week said firms forced to pause work due to the heat could access funds for furloughed staff.
Broader European Impact
Germany, Austria, Italy, and the Czech Republic face a torrid few days as temperatures are forecast to soar further east and south. The heatwave is being driven by a weather pattern known as an Omega block, pushing temperatures as much as 18 degrees Celsius above normal, according to the Reuters Climate Monitor.
