Region of the European West defined by historical, political and cultural ties
A heatwave has swept across France, the UK, Spain and Italy, with multiple drownings and heat-related deaths reported as temperatures exceed records for May. Authorities warn of ongoing extreme heat through the week as storms and heat domes are expected to persist.
A persistent heat dome has driven unprecedented May temperatures across western Europe this week, with the UK and France having broken May records (Kew Gardens provisionally 35.1°C). Ambulance services have reported record call volumes, amber heat-health alerts have been issued, thunderstorms and fires have followed the heat, and officials are urging caution around open water.
A persistent high-pressure heat dome is trapping heat and humidity over continental Europe, driving record temperatures from France to the UK. The phenomenon is linked to escalating temperatures due to fossil-fuel emissions, with authorities warning of health risks, wildfires, and rising energy demand.
Several major retailers report profit declines amid slowing demand and stretched inventories. H&M flags slower half-year sales, TFG plans store closures and cost cuts, and Halfords surges on momentum as it raises profits outlook.
A continent-wide heatwave has intensified, with France, the Netherlands and Belgium reporting thousands of excess deaths as temperatures shatter records. Health systems are strained, and wildfires and droughts are spreading across southern Europe. Officials warn that climate change is driving more extreme heat, with record highs continuing into the coming days.
AICCT's analysis shows vehicle emissions threaten lives; transitioning to zero‑emission vehicles by 2040–2050 could avert over 100,000 premature deaths and reduce pediatric asthma cases in the US by 2050. Heavy‑duty diesels and two/three‑wheelers remain significant polluters; the pace of uptake differs by region.
A heat dome has driven record electricity demand across the eastern United States. Officials warn temperatures will stay high this week and the grid faces stress as cooling needs rise. Cooling centers expand and energy-use guidance is issued to prevent outages.
Extensive wildfires are burning across France, Spain and Italy as heatwaves drive arid conditions. Evacuations continue, hundreds of firefighters operate across multiple fronts, and authorities warn that heat and dry vegetation will keep fire risk high in coming days.
Since mid-July, a series of fast-moving wildfires has scorched large areas of France and Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. French authorities have mobilised soldiers, masks and international firefighting aircraft as flames approach Bordeaux and fires burn near Paris, the Var and Fontainebleau. Extreme heat and drought have fuelled unusually early, violent fires.
A collection of articles shows record heat-related deaths across Europe and North America linked to a warming climate and El Niño, with officials expanding cooling programs and researchers urging responsible media portrayal to shape urgency. The data indicate rising temperatures and strained infrastructure, while experts forecast more extreme conditions ahead.
The UK has seen a record-hot July and persistent drought across large parts of England and Wales. Hosepipe bans remain in force as cooling rain is forecast to be patchy and limited this weekend. Forecasters warn that heat and dry conditions will continue into next week, with a potential return of hotter spells in parts of the country.
A wave of studies suggests heat exposure from saunas and infrared therapies may help the body acclimate to heat and support cardiovascular health. Experts warn that benefits are long-term, not acute, and safety depends on individual health and monitoring. Readers should consider long-term heat-adaptation strategies rather than using saunas as an immediate heatwave fix.