A severe heatwave gripping Western Europe has prompted rare red health warnings in the United Kingdom and alerts across France, Italy, and Spain as a “heat-dome” drives temperatures to unprecedented levels for June.
UK Issues Rare Red Warning
The UK Met Office has issued a “red heat health” alert for much of central and southern England, as well as Wales. This is only the second such warning ever issued by British authorities; the first occurred in July 2022 when temperatures exceeded 40°C. The warning signals that high temperatures pose a risk to life, even for healthy individuals.
On Wednesday, the UK is bracing for its highest June temperatures on record, with the Met Office forecasting a high of 38°C in southern England. On Tuesday, temperatures reached 34.6°C in Wisley, southwest of London. Mark Sidaway, deputy chief forecaster for the UK Met Office, stated: “Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heat wave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat.”
Schools Closed and Travel Disrupted
Some schools in England have closed due to the heat, and many train services have been cancelled. Passengers are urged to avoid non-essential travel in areas covered by the red warning. Network Rail, which operates Britain’s railroad network, warned of “significant disruption” across England and Wales as it imposes speed restrictions to minimise the risk of heat-related issues such as buckled tracks and sagging overhead electric wires. Eurostar cancelled four trains planned between London and Paris on Wednesday and Thursday “due to expected adverse weather.”
France Records Hottest Day Ever
France recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday, with the national thermal indicator—an average of temperatures measured at 30 weather stations—reaching 29.8°C (85.6°F). This record is the latest in a series of never-before-registered highs. The extreme heat prompted the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum to restrict visiting hours, while schools and transportation schedules were disrupted.
Italy Issues Red Alerts for 16 Cities
Italy’s Health Ministry issued “red alerts” for 16 cities on Wednesday, including major cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Turin. The “bollino rosso” alert signals emergency conditions that can affect not only vulnerable people but also healthy adults. Temperatures could reach highs of 41°C (105°F) in Florence and 38°C (104°F) in Milan, while Rome and Naples are forecast to remain below 36°C (96.8°F).
Heat Advisory Continues
Britain’s heat advisory remains in effect through Thursday, with overnight temperatures staying well above average. In a sign of the unusual conditions, male journalists covering Parliament were allowed to remove their jackets in the press gallery of the House of Commons on Wednesday. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “If you think it’s hot already, well, we ain’t seen nothing yet.”
