Topic
29 articles
Parts of Europe are preparing for another heat wave after record temperatures in June and July caused wildfires, dried up rivers, and contributed to thousands of deaths. The UK and France have issued extreme heat warnings, with temperatures expected to top 35°C this week. Water restrictions are in place across much of the affected regions, and the Rhine River faces shipping disruptions.
The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that Western Europe experienced its hottest June and July on record, with average temperatures 2.79°C above normal. Record drought conditions exacerbated wildfires across France and Spain, while low river levels forced nuclear power plants in Hungary and Slovenia to cut output.
Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi, 26, died in Fukuoka after collapsing during a training session in 35°C heat, with symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke. Japan is grappling with record temperatures, and officials are urging caution as heat-related fatalities rise.
Slovakia and Austria have recorded their highest-ever temperatures as a brutal heatwave grips Central Europe, while Italy has issued maximum alerts for all 27 major cities. The extreme heat is disrupting energy grids and transport, with nuclear plants in Slovakia and Hungary forced to cut output due to low Danube water levels.
Firefighters across Europe are battling blazes in France and Spain that have devastated forests and forced evacuations. Despite some stabilization, authorities fear that upcoming heatwaves could trigger new fires.
South Korea recorded its highest-ever temperature of 42.5°C in Yangsan on Sunday, breaking previous records as a severe heatwave continues. Officials urge residents to take precautions as the heat is expected to persist.
South Korea has recorded its hottest day since meteorological record-keeping began, with temperatures hitting 42.5°C in Yangsan. The extreme heat is part of a global pattern of severe weather, including wildfires in Europe, North Africa, and the western United States.
Japanese companies are implementing creative measures to protect workers from extreme heat, including air-conditioned portable toilets at construction sites and adjusted work schedules. The initiatives respond to record-breaking temperatures and rising heat-related health risks.
The WMO warns that a rapidly intensifying El Nino will disrupt global weather, increasing heatwaves, droughts, and floods. UN Secretary-General Guterres calls for an immediate stop to new fossil fuel projects, emphasizing the need for concrete climate action.
