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The United Kingdom experienced a historic temperature spike on Tuesday, shattering a century-old record as a spring heat wave affects Western Europe, prompting
government warnings about potential health risks. Authorities reported several drownings in both Britain and France as individuals sought relief from the extreme heat. The Met Office recorded a temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius (95.2 degrees Fahrenheit) at Kew Gardens in London, surpassing the previous day's record of 34.8 C (94.6 F). This new reading eclipsed the long-standing record of 32.8 C (91.4 F) set in 1922, which had been matched in 1944.
Temperature Records and Health Alerts
London also experienced a rare phenomenon known as a 'tropical night,' characterized by nighttime temperatures not falling below 20 C (68 F). In France, temperatures reached 36 C (97 F) in the southwest on Monday, with many areas experiencing nighttime lows above 20 C.Météo-France attributed the soaring temperatures to a 'heat dome' effect, caused by a high-pressure system that has led to temperatures exceeding the seasonal average by more than 10 degrees Celsius.
Increased Risks and Fatalities
Experts warn that the frequency of unpredictable and extreme weather events is rising due to global warming. Peter Thorne, director of the ICARUS Climate Research Centre, noted that heat waves like this one are increasingly likely and severe due to climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions.Authorities reported at least four fatalities among teenagers due to drownings in U.K. lakes and reservoirs, and a 60-year-old man died in the sea off southwest England. In France, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon confirmed at least seven deaths potentially linked to the heat, including five drownings and two fatalities during sports events.
Public Safety and Emergency Response
The early onset of this heat wave comes before the summer season, when lifeguards typically monitor popular beaches, heightening the risk of drowning incidents. In the Gironde region of France, officials reported two drowning deaths at beaches known for strong riptides.Regional administrator Sophie Brocas urged beachgoers to exercise extreme caution in the water. In Scotland, firefighters worked overnight to extinguish a grass fire on Arthur’s Seat, a prominent hill in Edinburgh, amid the sweltering conditions.
Widespread Heat Across Europe
The heat wave's impact extended to Spain, where temperatures in Seville reached 38 C (100 F) over the weekend, with large parts of the Iberian Peninsula experiencing temperatures 5 to 10 degrees Celsius higher than normal. Rome also anticipated temperatures around 32 C (89.6 F) on Tuesday.As commuters in London faced sweltering conditions in subway cars without air conditioning, the U.K. Health Security Agency issued an amber health alert for large areas of the country, warning of health risks, especially for vulnerable populations during peak heat hours.
