The United Kingdom is facing an unusually severe heatwave, forcing residents to seek out water sources to cool down, while meteorological agencies have issued the highest level heat warning, expecting temperatures to reach 39 degrees Celsius.
The UK Met Office issued a severe heat warning covering most of England on Wednesday and Thursday, stating temperatures in southern England could reach 37 degrees Celsius, with some areas in Wales possibly hitting 35 degrees Celsius.
However, forecasters expect the peak of the heatwave to occur on Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures in London and southern England possibly soaring to 39 degrees Celsius.
The extreme heat has led hundreds of schools nationwide to announce early closures this week to protect the health of students and staff.
Meanwhile, several train operators, including express services connecting to London Gatwick Airport, have canceled or reduced services to avoid potential damage to rail infrastructure caused by the abnormal heat.
Rail companies have urged the public to travel only if necessary during the two hottest days of the week, while people have been heading to beaches and rivers to relieve the heat.
Europe is experiencing continuously rising temperatures.
Scientists note that human-induced climate change significantly contributes to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
According to the United Nations World Meteorological Organization, the next five years are likely to see multiple new records for highest global temperatures.
The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with average temperatures rising at twice the global rate since the 1980s.
WHO reports over 200,000 heat-related deaths in Europe over four years.
The World Health Organization's European regional office revealed earlier this month that over the past four years, more than 200,000 heat-related deaths occurred across Europe, most of which could have been prevented with proper measures.
Experts warn that above-average temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke, medical emergencies that can be life-threatening.
Additionally, climate change is causing many parts of Europe, especially Southeastern Europe, to face increased drought and wildfire risks, impacting public health and ecosystems broadly.
The UK Met Office forecasts conditions will begin to ease on Friday, though temperatures will remain above average for this time of year.
. Source:AP
Click to read more aboutInternational news