Europe Heatwave: UK Braces for Record-Breaking Temperatures

AI Summary

Europe is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with the UK bracing for record-breaking temperatures and Italy issuing a red alert for 16 cities.

The Heatwave's Grip on Europe

Europe is braced for another day of an unprecedented heatwave that has smashed records in many countries. Italy's health ministry has declared a red heatwave alert in 16 cities for Wednesday, including Milan and Rome, and in the UK, temperatures are expected to reach 40C in some areas.

Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected

The UK is braced for record-breaking temperatures, with schools to close and people urged not to travel. Temperatures could hit 40C on Wednesday and Thursday in some parts of England and Wales and a red weather warning for extreme heat is in place covering an area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham.

European Countries Affected

France registered its hottest day on record on Tuesday, with 40 people confirmed to have drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas.
More than 90% of the French population is exposed to extreme heat.
The Netherlands will be under a code orange for extreme heat from Wednesday until at least Friday.
Poland, Croatia, Hungary are also expected to experience extreme heat.

Heatwave Impact

The extreme weather is being driven by atmospheric and circulation patterns that keep hot air trapped in place for days, causing the mercury to slowly rise, with these factors exacerbated by global heating, experts say.