Records fall across the continent
Western Europe confirmed its hottest June on record, with temperatures consistently exceeding seasonal norms for weeks. France saw multiple heatwave episodes, prompting thousands of evacuations from 26 towns threatened by raging wildfires. In Spain, at least 11 people died in the Los Gallardos wildfire in Almería province, with local officials indicating four of the victims were British. Fire crews continue to battle the blaze as high temperatures and dry conditions complicate containment efforts.
UK swelters in third heatwave
The United Kingdom experienced its third heatwave of the year, as the nation struggled to adapt to summers that are becoming progressively hotter. UK waters also recorded extreme heatwave conditions, with global sea temperatures reaching new highs. Scientists point to the compounding effects of climate change and an emerging El Niño as drivers of the extreme heat. Health officials have warned vulnerable populations to take precautions.
Asia braces for Typhoon Bavi
As Europe burned, China and Taiwan braced for Typhoon Bavi, described by meteorologists as potentially the most destructive tropical storm in years. Fishermen sheltered in harbors, residents queued for sandbags, and farmers raced to bring in crops. The back-to-back climate extremes across two continents underscore a summer of intensifying weather events that scientists link to rising global temperatures and warming oceans.