Europe Experiences Severe Heatwave

France has issued an orange heat warning for 80 of its departments, signalling temperatures that could push into the high‑30s Celsius range. The alert follows a similar warning in England, where the Met Office has issued an amber heat warning that stretches from London to Sheffield. The English warning covers the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands and South Yorkshire, and is in effect from 9 am to midnight on Thursday.

Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill warned that temperatures within the amber‑warning zones could reach highs of around 36 °C to 38 °C. He noted that such extreme heat can strain infrastructure, including railway lines and roads that are not designed for prolonged high temperatures. The forecaster urged authorities and the public to prepare for potential disruptions and to take precautions against heat‑related health risks.

Both countries are monitoring the situation closely as the heatwave continues. Officials have advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid peak‑sun hours, and keep an eye on local advisories. The warnings remain in place until the end of Thursday, with updates expected as temperatures evolve.