At least 18 people have died in France, including two children left in a hot car, as an intense heatwave continues to sweep across Europe, pushing temperatures to record levels in several cities.
Authorities said schools across parts of France either closed or adjusted schedules as the extreme heat disrupted daily life.
In Britain, forecasters warned that temperatures this week could break June records as the continent endures prolonged heat stress.
In southwestern France, Bordeaux recorded 41.9°C (107.4°F), surpassing its previous record set last August. In Poitiers, central France, temperatures reached 41.2°C, exceeding a record that had stood since 1947.
In northern Spain, San Sebastian—typically one of the country’s cooler cities—was forecast to reach 40°C, more than double its average temperature for June 22, according to Climate Monitor data showing Europe as the continent furthest from its historical climate norm.
A report by the World Meteorological Organization in April found that Europe is warming at more than twice the global average.
SOURCE: NAN
