A vast heatwave is tightening its grip across Europe, with red alerts issued in France, Spain, Italy and other countries as temperatures surge above 40C and authorities warn of life-threatening conditions.

Schools have closed, transport services have been disrupted and emergency services are under mounting pressure as meteorologists forecast one of the most intense and prolonged heatwaves in recent years.

Continent Faces Dangerous Temperature Spike

France is at the centre of the crisis, with more than half of its regions under the highest-level heat warning. Temperatures climbed to 42C in Bordeaux on Monday, while Paris is expected to approach 41C later this week.

More than 800 schools have been shut and hundreds more have shortened classes. Officials estimate that around 63 million people are affected by weather alerts across the country.

Tragedy Strikes as Heat Takes Toll

The heatwave has already been linked to several deaths. In southern France, two young children aged two and four were found dead in a family car after reportedly becoming trapped inside during temperatures nearing 39C.

Authorities said the exact cause of death remains under investigation but is likely connected to the extreme heat. Elsewhere in France, officials reported multiple heat-related fatalities among elderly residents and warned of increasing health risks for vulnerable people.

Warnings Spread Across Europe

Spain has issued red alerts in parts of the country, with temperatures forecast to hit 44C in some regions. In the Basque Country, San Sebastian could see temperatures almost double its seasonal average.

Italy has placed 12 major cities, including Rome, Milan and Florence, under red alerts. Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium have also issued severe weather warnings as temperatures continue to climb.

Climate Pressure Builds

Scientists say recurring extreme heat events are becoming increasingly common as global temperatures rise. French forecasters note that most of the country's recorded heatwaves since 1947 have occurred in the past two decades.

With hot air surging north from the Sahara and trapping heat across western Europe, forecasters warn the worst may not yet be over. Temperatures are expected to peak midweek before any significant relief arrives, leaving millions facing several more days of dangerous conditions.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0jy9g96086o

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Greta warns: 40C UK heatwave ‘only the beginning’

As Britain braces for potentially record-breaking temperatures, climate activist Greta Thunberg has issued a stark warning that the extreme heat sweeping the UK is just the start of a much larger crisis.

With parts of England and Wales facing temperatures of up to 40C and a rare extreme heat warning in force, concerns are mounting over public safety, infrastructure strain and the long-term impact of climate change.

Heatwave Pushes Britain Towards Dangerous Territory

The Met Office has warned that the current heatwave could pose a risk to life, with scorching conditions expected to persist until at least Thursday.

Forecasters say there is growing confidence that the UK could surpass its current June temperature record of 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976. The heat is being driven by a powerful “heat dome” over western Europe, trapping hot air and pushing temperatures to exceptional levels.

The impact is already being felt. Some schools have announced early closures to protect pupils and staff, while health authorities are urging vulnerable people to take extra precautions.

‘Experts Have Warned About This For Decades’

Speaking as temperatures climbed, Thunberg said the extreme conditions reflected years of ignored scientific warnings.

She argued that the climate crisis is no longer a future threat but a present reality, adding that those suffering the worst effects are often those least responsible for global emissions. According to Thunberg, the current heatwave is “unfortunately only the beginning”.

Pressure Mounts On Political Leaders

The activist also launched a broadside at UK political leaders, accusing them of failing to treat climate change as the existential threat scientists describe.

Thunberg claimed Britain’s historical contribution to global emissions carries a responsibility to act more aggressively, including supporting countries already suffering the consequences of climate change. She backed calls for greater climate funding and reparations for poorer nations affected by rising temperatures and extreme weather.

Government Defends Climate Record

Ministers reject claims of inaction, pointing to the UK’s emissions reductions and commitment to reaching net zero by 2050.

The government says accelerating investment in clean energy remains central to its strategy, arguing that tackling climate change will improve energy security, cut bills and reduce the risks posed by increasingly severe weather events.

As temperatures continue to rise, the political battle over who is responsible—and what comes next—is heating up just as quickly.

Greta Thunberg warns 40°C heatwave about to hit UK 'is only the beginning'

Better put taxes up by 100 percent that'll solve the 'climate problem'