Europe battling extreme temperatures as heatwave grips the continent
- Heatwaves hit southern Europe with temperatures of 40C and above, experts say.
- Fires continue to rage through parts of Cyprus as a 'record-breaking' heatwave roasts the continent.
- Britain experiences a drab month dubbed Juneuary with cool and wet weather.
Last week, many cities experienced temperatures exceeding 40C due to warm air blowing in from North Africa. Heatwaves in Cyprus, Greece, and Türkiye have resulted in multiple deaths and wildfires. In Greece, a missing American tourist was found dead, and Athens reached 42C, prompting health warnings and the closure of the Acropolis. Cyprus issued its first red alert as temperatures soared to 45C, setting a record for the hottest June day. Türkiye also faced extreme temperatures, with Europe being the fastest-warming continent. The impact of these heatwaves on health is significant, with predictions of warmer-than-average temperatures for the rest of the European summer. While Europe experiences a heatwave, Britain is facing cool and wet weather. The heat dome over Europe is trapping warm air, causing temperatures to rise above 44C in some places. The UK is expected to see warmer temperatures next week. Southern Europe has been hit by record temperatures, leading to wildfires and heat-related deaths. Meanwhile, Britain is experiencing unseasonably low temperatures and heavy rain. The death toll from heat-related illnesses continues to rise in Cyprus and other parts of Southern Europe. Heatwave-linked deaths in Europe have increased by 30% over the last 20 years. Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events, with Spain experiencing severe flooding. The impact of human-caused climate change is evident, with millions of people at risk of extreme weather events. In Saudi Arabia, rising temperatures have led to fatalities among pilgrims participating in the hajj pilgrimage.