science
Western Europe issues red heat alerts as temperatures exceed 40C
Multiple countries have activated extreme-heat warnings through at least Thursday. Forecasts show highs of 38-44C across France, Spain, Italy, the UK, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
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Several western European nations have issued red heat alerts as daytime temperatures climb above 40C and are forecast to remain elevated through at least Thursday. France recorded its third-hottest day on record Monday, with the national average reaching 29.2C. Officials said 20 percent of the country exceeded the 40C threshold.
Paris parks and gardens will remain open around the clock, and swimming will be permitted in Canal Saint-Martin starting Wednesday. Spain’s meteorological agency warned that Saharan air combined with strong sunshine could push readings to 44C in parts of the country through Wednesday.
The UK Met Office placed large areas of southern and central England and Wales under a red extreme-heat alert for Wednesday and Thursday, with possible peaks of 38-40C and elevated humidity. Italy’s health ministry issued level-three bulletins for Bologna, Florence, Milan, Rome, Turin, Venice and Verona on Tuesday and Wednesday, while level-two alerts cover Bari, Naples and Palermo.
MeteoSwiss activated level-four warnings for northwest Switzerland, the Lake Geneva region and central Valais until Saturday, projecting 34-37C on the southern side of the Alps.
weather agency issued a red alert through the end of the week, with average readings of 35-40C and a peak expected Wednesday coinciding with the country’s National Day. Organizers have added extra water points and other heat-safety measures at public events. The heatwave conditions are forecast to intensify in the coming days across central and western Europe.
