Heatwave grips western Europe as France issues red alerts
A heatwave is scorching much of western Europe, with temperatures approaching 40C (about 104F) across Spain, Italy, France and Belgium. Spain, Italy and France have issued widespread health warnings, and parts of France have been placed under the country’s highest red heat alert, with authorities restricting some outdoor gatherings and street festivals as the peak is forecast for the start of the week.
The strain extends beyond people: wildlife rehabilitation centers in Belgium report being overwhelmed by heat-stressed animals. Early and intense June heatwaves of this kind have become more frequent as the climate warms, raising the public-health burden during periods when bodies have had little time to acclimatize and overnight temperatures stay high.