Extreme heat breaks temperature records

Sweltering temperatures hit much of Western Europe on Tuesday as a ferocious heatwave headed north. The UK hit its highest ever temperature of 40.3C, according to provisional Met Office figures, and forecasters warned temperatures were still climbing. Extreme heat warnings were issued in France and record July temperatures were reported in the Netherlands. Deadly wildfires in France, Portugal, Spain and Greece have forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes. Heatwaves have become more frequent, more intense, and last longer because of human-induced climate change. German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke said the climate crisis meant the country had to rethink its preparations for very hot weather, drought and flooding. Wildfires were still burning a day after several French cities including Nantes in the west saw their hottest-ever day. More than 30,000 people have had to flee, with several camp sites destroyed and emergency shelters set up for evacuees. Forecasters in Italy are warning of temperatures as high as 40 to 42C between Wednesday and Friday. The effects of climate change in Europe were highlighted earlier this month when a melting glacier triggered an avalanche that killed 11 people. Now experts at Italy's IlMeteo warn that new crevasses are opening up on Alpine peaks and that ice is melting even on Western Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc. The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions. (Source BBC)