The UK has shattered its June temperature record in spectacular fashion, with a sweltering 37.7C registered at Lingwood, Norfolk, last Friday - a staggering 2.1C higher than the previous high of 35.6C set back in 1976. This exceptional heatwave, which gripped Western Europe last week, has left experts reeling as temperatures soared across the continent.
Germany was also severely impacted, recording its all-time high of 41.7C in Coschen on 28 June, breaking its previous record three days in a row. The Netherlands saw its June record fall with 39.4C on 26 June, while Hungary set a new all-time record of 42C in Szécsény on 30 June. But it was not just the daytime highs that caused concern - many countries also endured 'tropical nights', where minimum temperatures did not drop below 20C.
East Saxony in Germany reported a particularly high minimum temperature, at 29.4C, while France experienced multiple days with temperatures exceeding 40C, prompting the temporary shutdown of nuclear power plants. The combination of record-breaking highs and warm nights made for challenging conditions across Western Europe.
In contrast, north-western China is currently enduring its own intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 47C on Tuesday. This week-long event, expected to last until 7 July, sees regions like Yuli and Ruoqiang anticipating daily temperatures above 45C, prompting extreme heat warnings. In these arid areas, the lack of soil moisture means there is no evaporative cooling, leading to direct atmospheric heating.
Chinese authorities have issued urgent advice to residents and businesses, urging them to take precautions against heatstroke by avoiding outdoor manual labour and checking on vulnerable individuals. Fire prevention methods are also being highlighted due to the elevated risk of fires spreading, while road surface temperatures are projected to exceed 60C, posing a significant threat to national highways.