A sweltering heatwave sweeping across Western Europe is now bearing down on Germany and the Czech Republic, with forecasters warning of temperatures soaring to 40C in some areas today. The intense heat has prompted France's government to raise its health alert to 'level three', a critical response to the strain it's putting on public healthcare.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the move, which will see hospital staffing boosted and extra measures put in place to protect vulnerable populations. Public drinking hours have been banned in Paris from Friday to Sunday, with police chief Patrice Faure warning that hospitals are 'nearly at saturation point'. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist also highlighted the risks faced by young people, citing a rise in cardiac arrests among individuals under 18.
The Met Office has reported that Britain's hottest days on record were experienced earlier this week, but the UK is now likely to see relief from the worst of the heat. In contrast, Germany and the Czech Republic are bracing themselves for extreme temperatures. People in affected areas are advised to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
As Europe's heatwave intensifies, concerns over climate change are growing. United Nations climate change chief Simon Stiell warned that the crisis 'has the fingerprints of climate change all over it', calling for a rapid shift to renewable energy sources and enhanced global resilience measures.