Europe sizzles under heat wave with little relief in sight

Key Points:

• A severe heatwave is affecting multiple European countries including France, Germany, the UK, and Italy, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) and no relief expected until the weekend or next week.
• France is under a red alert with 54 departments affected, experiencing record-breaking temperatures that could surpass previous all-time highs and recalling the deadly 2003 heatwave; at least 18 deaths have been reported, including two children found dead in a car.
• The UK’s Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat affecting London, Birmingham, and other parts of central and southern England, with temperatures expected to break June records.
• Germany faces increased risks of forest fires due to high temperatures and dry conditions, particularly in southern and eastern regions, while lifeguards report multiple drownings linked to people seeking relief from the heat.
• A global study highlights that countries like Mexico, Italy, and Kenya are experiencing up to two more months of heat stress than in the 1970s, with rising "feels-like" temperatures contributing to greater human health risks and one billion more people facing extreme heat annually.