Climatologist and Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London (Granthan/Grantham Institute)
A cluster of wildfires in Spain, France and neighboring regions have intensified under record heat and drought. World Weather Attribution finds human-caused warming has raised the odds of extreme fire-prone conditions, with Spain about 20 times more likely and France about twice as likely. Evacuations and air pollution spikes accompany the blazes, underscoring the climate link and the need for action.
Fires have burned record extents this year, El Niño is strengthening global heat and drought patterns, and inequality is linked to higher temperature-related deaths in Europe, with warnings of worsening extremes in coming months.
Official hydrological outlook warns of below-normal river flows in central and southern England for the coming weeks, with rainfall in April 23% below average. Groundwater and reservoir levels are under pressure in the South and East, though some storage remains stable. Farmers warn on future supply; a Fens Reservoir is planned for the 2030s.
The Climate Change Committee has urged ministers to invest in cooling measures for public services and workplaces, set a maximum indoor temperature, and strengthen flood, water and energy infrastructure as part of a 2050 adaptation plan. The report warns of rising heat, floods and droughts with potential billions in annual damages unless action is taken.
The World Meteorological Organization has projected that the Arctic will warm much faster than the rest of the globe, and that multiple scenarios through 2030 will exceed the Paris 1.5°C threshold. The report indicates increased risks of extreme weather, droughts, and wildfires, with El Niño likely to push temperatures higher in coming years.
A mounting body of studies shows climate hazards are increasingly disrupting data centers worldwide, raising costs and threatening reliability. Insurers warn of higher premiums; operators push for water-efficient cooling and location strategies. With heat waves intensifying, a systemic rethink of cooling, water use, and siting is underway.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
A multi-country heatwave has pushed Europe to record temperatures, with the UK recording its hottest June day. Health alerts remain in place in parts of Europe as authorities warn of heat-related risks and disruptions to transport and daily life.
A historic heatwave has swept across Europe, setting temperature records and stressing infrastructure and health systems. Scientists say climate change has doubled the odds of such events, with millions affected as cities grapple with heat-related disruptions and rising energy demand.
Wildfires across England and Wales remain at very high to exceptional risk as heatwave conditions continue. North Wales declared a major incident near Conwy Mountain; firefighters are battling blazes in Conwy, Glossop, Tintwistle Moor and other sites as temperatures stay dangerously high. Authorities urge caution and continued vigilance.