Britain issued an unprecedented red temperature warning on Wednesday as a scorching heatwave grips Europe, with forecasters predicting temperatures could reach 38 to 40 degrees Celsius in parts of England and Wales — potentially smashing the June record set in 1976. France, meanwhile, reported 19 heat-related deaths and convened a crisis meeting after two children were found dead in a car amid the extreme conditions.
The red alert in the UK marks the first time such a warning has been issued for extreme heat, reflecting the severity of the event. The French prime minister is set to hold an emergency meeting following the fatalities, as the country's meteorological service placed several regions on red alert.
Abnormally high temperatures have also taken a toll on wildlife. Birds such as swifts, swallows and starlings, which nest in roof eaves, have been particularly affected, according to Romaine de Jaegere, founder of a wildlife refuge in Temploux, Belgium. “Temperatures on the roofs can sometimes reach 50, even 60 degrees Celsius,” de Jaegere said, noting that birds prefer to jump rather than die in their nests.
The heatwave is expected to persist over the coming days, raising concerns about further health impacts and strain on emergency services. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and very young, face the greatest risk as authorities urge people to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity.
The event underscores the growing frequency of extreme weather linked to climate change, though attribution studies would be needed to quantify the heatwave's connection to global warming. Forecasters continue to monitor the situation as the mercury rises.