LONDON (AP) — The United Kingdom set a new temperature record on Tuesday, reaching 35.1 degrees Celsius (95.2 degrees Fahrenheit) at Kew Gardens in London, surpassing the previous record of 34.8 C (94.6 F) set just a day earlier. This marks the second time in 24 hours that the UK has broken a century-old record, which was previously set at 32.8 C (91.4 F) in 1922 and matched in 1944. The extreme heat has prompted government warnings regarding health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
In addition to the UK, France also experienced record temperatures, with readings reaching 36 C (97 F) in the southwest on Monday. The national weather service, Météo-France, attributed the heat to a “heat dome” caused by a high-pressure weather front, resulting in temperatures more than 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages.
Experts have noted that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Peter Thorne, director of the ICARUS Climate Research Centre in Ireland, stated that the likelihood and severity of heat waves have increased due to greenhouse gas emissions.
The heat wave has led to several reported drownings in both the UK and France. In the UK, at least four teenagers drowned in lakes and reservoirs, and a 60-year-old man died in the sea. French government spokesperson Maud Bregeon reported at least seven deaths potentially linked to the heat, including five drownings and two deaths during sports competitions.
The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber health alert for many regions, warning of potential health risks, especially for older individuals. Many homes and public facilities in the UK lack air conditioning, which has exacerbated the situation.
The heat wave has also impacted transportation, with disruptions reported at Waterloo station in London due to smoke on the tracks. Firefighters in Scotland responded to a grass fire on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, and officials in France have urged beachgoers to exercise caution due to dangerous surf conditions.
In Spain, temperatures reached 38 C (100 F) in Seville, with many areas experiencing temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of year. Rome is also expected to see temperatures around 32 C (89.6 F).
