From Europe to Asia, floods to heatwaves, world experiences weather shocks

Key Points:

• In Japan, record-breaking rains outside Tokyo caused widespread flooding, resulting in at least eight deaths, power outages for over 20,000 households, and evacuation orders for more than 100,000 residents during the busy Obon festival travel period.
• Europe is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, affecting over 300 million people, with temperatures exceeding 95°F in parts of France, Italy, and Spain, leading to severe droughts, wildfires, and water restrictions.
• The heatwave has caused significant environmental impacts, including exposed ancient ruins in Rome due to low river levels, major wildfires in Croatia, and the shutdown of a nuclear reactor in Romania because of insufficient cooling water from the Danube River.
• The UK recorded temperatures hitting 100°F in southern England, sparking wildfires, home evacuations, and drought declarations across much of England and Wales, with water shortages prompting urgent conservation appeals.
• July was the hottest month on record in the UK, and meteorologists warn that 2026 is likely to become the hottest year on record, highlighting the intensifying impacts of climate change across Europe.