The UK has issued a rare red heat warning for only the second time in history. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The warning came into effect at 9am London time (10am Europe) for large parts of England and Wales. Temperatures are expected to approach 40°C in some parts of the country.
The warning covers an area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, and is due to last until 9pm on Thursday, PA news agency reported.
Meteorologists expect that during the peak of the heatwave, the temperature could come close to the UK's all-time high of 40.3°C from July 2022.
The heatwave has also caused power outages in France. Several regions of France have recorded record temperatures, increasing the load on power grids. Local authorities are urging residents to conserve water and avoid going outside during the hottest hours.
In the UK, schools and transport networks are also being disrupted by the heat. Many schools have ended classes early, and trains have been forced to limit their speed. On Oxford Street in London, people are using umbrellas and shopping bags to shield themselves from the sun.
Experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Many European countries have experienced record temperatures this week, putting additional strain on healthcare systems.
The UK Met Office is advising people to stay in cool places, drink plenty of water, and avoid physical activity during the hottest hours. The red warning indicates a high risk to health, even healthy people can be affected by the heat.
Italy has also issued a red alert, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several cities. Spain and Greece are at increased risk of wildfires. Authorities in southern Europe are urging caution.
The heatwave in the UK could repeat the record of July 2022, when temperatures reached 40.3°C. According to meteorologists, the highest temperatures are expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
The red warning was first introduced in the UK during the July 2022 heatwave. This warning allows the healthcare system to move into emergency mode.
Due to power outages in France, RTE (France's electricity grid operator) has called on consumers to save electricity. Increased use of air conditioners has added to the grid load.
The UK government has set up a crisis headquarters in response to the heatwave. The Department of Health has recommended paying special attention to the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
Heatwaves in Europe are becoming more frequent due to climate change. According to scientists, such extreme weather events are no longer rare but are becoming the new normal.