Extreme weather in Europe

40 drownings linked to heat in France

40 people have died in drowning accidents during the ongoing heat wave in France, reports the BBC.

– Swimming in places without supervision during a heat wave is not something to be taken lightly, says Minister of Sports and Youth Marina Ferrari to French radio.

Red heat warnings have been issued in large parts of France. The night before Tuesday, the highest average temperature was also measured during a night since measurements began. According to the country's meteorological institute, it was 21.6 degrees.

The heat has also caused several attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, to close earlier than usual.

Red warnings sweep across Europe: "London is boiling"

A heat dome has settled over Europe. Red heat warnings have been issued in France, Spain and Italy, among others. In Milan and Turin, power has been cut off in some areas as the extreme heat has caused the use of air conditioning to soar, writes Reuters.

Several French cities have recorded heat records of over 40 degrees in recent days. People have tried to cool off by swimming, which has led to 40 drownings in June.

Britain is also feeling the heat. UN Secretary-General António Guterres says that “London is boiling”. During a speech at London Climate Action Week, he linked the ongoing extreme weather to climate change caused by fossil fuels, writes The Guardian.

Children doze in their desks – schools close in the heat

Several British schools are closed to spare students from overheated classrooms in the heatwave, writes The Guardian.

A teacher tells The Independent that students are struggling to cope with the heat and that many are dozing with their foreheads against their desks in the 30-degree heat.

– They are tired, red-cheeked and find the heat unbearable.

Closing schools due to heat is unusual in Britain, writes the BBC.