When was the last time you texted your friend just like that? Research shows checking-in on people can be extremely meaningful. An unexpected 'Hello', or 'How are you?' can make a person feel valued, happy. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: A case for texting a friend

The US is racing to develop hypersonic missiles. Russia & China are the only two countries that possess them. Department of Defense US feels Washington is lagging behind. What are hypersonic missiles? How fast are they? Which countries are developing them? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Which countries have Hypersonic missiles?

Ahead of the presidential elections in Sri Lanka, former cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuriya on Tuesday (July 19) urged the members of parliament to "choose wisely". The crisis-hit country will vote on Wednesday and choose a president to replace Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled&nbsp;the country as civil&nbsp;unrest intensified after economic crisis.&nbsp;

Taking to his official Twitter account, Jayasuriya wrote: "Tomorrow is a vital day. Tomorrow, 225 people decide the fate of 22 million. Choose wisely. Buddhusaranai, Godbless, Mashalla!"&nbsp;

Previously, Jayasuriya said he is both "angry" and "sad" to witness his country grapple with enormous financial crisis and civil unrest. He said, he is expecting that democracy will soon be restored in the Island nation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/three-way-fight-will-decide-who-will-be-sri-lankas-next-president-498747">Three-way fight will decide who will be Sri Lanka's next president&nbsp;</a>

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Tomorrow is a vital day. Tomorrow 225 people decide the fate of 22 million. Choose wisely. Buddhusaranai, Godbless, Mashalla!
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Sri Lanka is facing an economic crisis and the people have suffered through months of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation as the nation ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa fled abroad last week after his palace was stormed by hundreds of angry protesters&nbsp;demanding&nbsp;that he take responsibility for acute shortages of medicines, food and fuel.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Sri Lanka set to elect a new President&nbsp;

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-will-become-pm-of-islamabad-imran-khans-party-takes-a-dig-498886">Shehbaz Sharif will become 'PM of Islamabad', Imran Khan's party takes a dig</a>&nbsp;

After the presidential vote, the winner of the three-way contest will take charge. Sri Lanka is currently in bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).&nbsp;

Although, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is a six-time former prime minister, is said to be the frontrunner,&nbsp;he is despised by protesters who see him as a Rajapaksa ally.&nbsp;

The 73-year-old Wickremesinghe has the backing of the Rajapaksas' Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna&nbsp;(SLPP), which is the largest bloc in the 225-member parliament.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe's main opponent will be SLPP dissident Dullas Alahapperuma, who is&nbsp;a former journalist being supported by the opposition.&nbsp;

Alahapperuma pledged this week to form "an actual consensual government for the first time in our history".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Ahead of the presidential elections in Sri Lanka, former cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuriya on Tuesday (July 19) urged the members of parliament to "choose wisely".

Ahead of the presidential elections in Sri Lanka, former cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuriya on Tuesday (July 19) urged the members of parliament to "choose wisely". The crisis-hit country will vote on Wednesday and choose a president to replace Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country as civil unrest intensified after economic crisis. Taking to his official Twitter account, Jayasuriya wrote: "Tomorrow is a vital day. Tomorrow, 225 people decide the fate of 22 million. Choose wisely. Buddhusaranai, Godbless, Mashalla!" Previously, Jayasuriya said he is both "angry" and "sad" to witness his country grapple with enormous financial crisis and civil unrest. He said, he is expecting that democracy will soon be restored in the Island nation. ALSO READ | Three-way fight will decide who will be Sri Lanka's next president Tomorrow is a vital day. Tomorrow 225 people decide the fate of 22 million. Choose wisely. Buddhusaranai, Godbless, Mashalla! — Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) July 19, 2022 × Sri Lanka is facing an economic crisis and the people have suffered through months of food and fuel shortages, lengthy blackouts and galloping inflation as the nation ran out of foreign currency to import vital goods. Rajapaksa fled abroad last week after his palace was stormed by hundreds of angry protesters demanding that he take responsibility for acute shortages of medicines, food and fuel. WATCH | Gravitas: Sri Lanka set to elect a new President × ALSO READ | Shehbaz Sharif will become 'PM of Islamabad', Imran Khan's party takes a dig After the presidential vote, the winner of the three-way contest will take charge. Sri Lanka is currently in bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Although, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is a six-time former prime minister, is said to be the frontrunner, he is despised by protesters who see him as a Rajapaksa ally. The 73-year-old Wickremesinghe has the backing of the Rajapaksas' Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), which is the largest bloc in the 225-member parliament. Wickremesinghe's main opponent will be SLPP dissident Dullas Alahapperuma, who is a former journalist being supported by the opposition. Alahapperuma pledged this week to form "an actual consensual government for the first time in our history". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka economic crisis: Ex-cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya urges MPs to 'choose wisely' to replace prez

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. United States National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday (July 19) that the US has "ample evidence" to claim that Russia plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory. As said by Kirby, the areas targeted for annexation include Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and all of Donetsk and Luhansk. While speaking from the White House briefing room, Kirby said, "Russia is laying the groundwork to annex Ukrainian territory that it controls in direct violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. Russia is beginning to roll out a version of what you could call an annexation playbook, very similar to the one we saw in 2014." In 2014, Russia invaded and subsequently annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Crimea was formally incorporated into Russia on 18 March 2014. ALSO READ | Putin thanks Erdogan for mediation efforts, says some progress in Ukraine grain talks Kirby said, "Already, Russia is installing illegitimate proxy officials in the areas of Ukraine that are under its control." During his interaction with reporters, Kirby said that Russia had plans to organize "sham referenda" in the areas it has seized. He claimed that this could happen as early as September. "Annexation by force will be a gross violation of the UN Charter and we will not allow it to go unchallenged or unpunished," Kirby said, adding that he was "exposing" the Russian plans "so the world knows that any purported annexation is premeditated, illegal and illegitimate." "We're going to respond swiftly and severely and in lockstep with our allies and partners. We are sanctioning the Russian-installed puppets and proxies," he said. ALSO READ | Biden administration seeks extension to decide on immunity to Mohammed bin Salman Russia-Ukraine war Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military to launch the invasion of Ukraine, calling it a "special military operation". Putin said that the aim of the invasion was "to protect the people that are subjected to abuse, genocide from the Kyiv regime" and to "demilitarise and denazify Ukraine." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia is planning to annex additional Ukrainian territory, claims US

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Andriy Yermak, who is Ukraine's presidential chief of staff, said on Tuesday (July 19) that Ukraine must win the ongoing war with Russia before winter. Yermak said that this would give Russian military forces time to dig in and the counter-offensive will be more difficult for Ukraine. Yermak told Ukrainian weekly Novoye Vremya: "It is very important for us not to enter into the winter. After winter, when the Russians will have more time to get a footing, it will certainly be more difficult. It is very important for us not to give them this possibility." ALSO READ | Russia is planning to annex additional Ukrainian territory, US claims Hopeful Yermak also said that the Western allies should supply more arms. He said that he was counting on pledges of aid by US President Joe Biden in the form of weaponry and economic support. Yermak said: "Our objective is victory. These negotiations are taking place at military and foreign affairs ministry level... with UN mediation. I'm in touch with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, I do not communicate with the Russians." ALSO READ | Putin thanks Erdogan for mediation efforts, says some progress in Ukraine grain talks It is understood that the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act package signed by Biden in May is due to come fully into operation next month. Yermak further noted that the talks are not being held to end the Russia-Ukraine war as the ongoing talks with Russia revolved simply around how to export Ukrainian grain from blockaded ports. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Here's why top Ukraine presidential aide says they need to win war against Russia before winter

A crew member of the 'Law &amp; Order: Organized Crime' was shot dead on Tuesday (July 19) while working at the film location, NBC and Universal Television confirmed. Police said that the man was enforcing parking restrictions connected to the production when he was fatally shot. He was sitting in a car when the tragic incident happened.&nbsp;

The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Johnny Pizarro of Queens. According to police, Pizarro was found at about 5:15am (local time) on a residential street in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn. The police stated that he suffered from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and neck.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ted-lasso-star-brett-goldstein-finally-opens-up-about-his-cameo-in-thor-love-and-thunder-498953">'Ted Lasso' star Brett Goldstein finally opens up about his cameo in 'Thor: Love and Thunder'</a>&nbsp;

Pizarro was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. So far, there is no information about suspects or a motive as the police said they were investigating.&nbsp;

No arrests have been made so far but police said that&nbsp;a&nbsp;short, thin man in a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants was seen running from where the shooting took place.&nbsp;

According to an NBC spokesperson, no filming was going on at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-better-call-saul-season-6-episode-9-jimmy-mcgill-becomes-saul-goodman-in-a-tragic-episode-498800">'Better Call Saul' Season 6 Episode 9: Jimmy McGill becomes Saul Goodman in a tragic episode</a>&nbsp;

NBC and Universal Television said in a statement: "We were terribly saddened and shocked to hear that one of our crew members was the victim of a crime early this morning and has died as a result."&nbsp;

"We are working with local law enforcement as they continue to investigate. Our hearts go out to his family and friends and we ask that you respect their privacy during this time.," it added.&nbsp;

The network confirmed that Pizarro was a crew member for the series,&nbsp;a spinoff of "Law &amp; Order: Special Victims Unit". It is a franchise created by producer Dick Wolf and filming of third season is on which is scheduled to air this fall.&nbsp;

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A crew member of the 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' was shot dead on Tuesday (July 19) while working at the film location, NBC and Universal Television confirmed.

A crew member of the 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' was shot dead on Tuesday (July 19) while working at the film location, NBC and Universal Television confirmed. Police said that the man was enforcing parking restrictions connected to the production when he was fatally shot. He was sitting in a car when the tragic incident happened. The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Johnny Pizarro of Queens. According to police, Pizarro was found at about 5:15am (local time) on a residential street in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn. The police stated that he suffered from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and neck. ALSO READ | 'Ted Lasso' star Brett Goldstein finally opens up about his cameo in 'Thor: Love and Thunder' Pizarro was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. So far, there is no information about suspects or a motive as the police said they were investigating. No arrests have been made so far but police said that a short, thin man in a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants was seen running from where the shooting took place. According to an NBC spokesperson, no filming was going on at the time of the shooting. ALSO READ | 'Better Call Saul' Season 6 Episode 9: Jimmy McGill becomes Saul Goodman in a tragic episode NBC and Universal Television said in a statement: "We were terribly saddened and shocked to hear that one of our crew members was the victim of a crime early this morning and has died as a result." "We are working with local law enforcement as they continue to investigate. Our hearts go out to his family and friends and we ask that you respect their privacy during this time.," it added. The network confirmed that Pizarro was a crew member for the series, a spinoff of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit". It is a franchise created by producer Dick Wolf and filming of third season is on which is scheduled to air this fall. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Law & Order: Organized Crime': Crew member shot dead while working at film location

Britain recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday (July 19), with the temperature exceeding 40C. Not just Britain, the entire Europe is gripped by the extreme heatwave. Hot weather has fueled a spate of fires across London.&nbsp;

As parts of Europe continue to burn, the region's atmospheric monitoring service has issued a warning that the heatwave is generating very high levels of harmful ozone pollution. It added that large areas of western Europe also face "extreme" danger of wildfires.&nbsp;

According to a statement from the Copernicus monitoring service: "Tinder dry conditions and extreme heat are exacerbating the risk of wildfires." The warning also mentioned that a large proportion of western Europe is in "extreme fire danger" and some areas of "very extreme fire danger".&nbsp;

Copernicus also said that the heatwave is also causing high levels of ground-level ozone. On its website, the monitoring service wrote that the scientists are warning "very high levels of ozone pollution" in southern Europe caused by the heatwave could now affect northwestern regions in the coming week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-trying-to-destroy-evidence-of-theft-sparks-1000-hectare-bushfire-498883">Man trying to destroy evidence of theft sparks 1,000-hectare bushfire</a>&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopernicusAtmosphere?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopernicusAtmosphere</a> Monitoring Service is predicting very high levels of surface <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ozone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ozone</a> pollution across a large region of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Europe</a> caused by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/heatwave?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#heatwave</a>. 
 
Meanwhile, wildfires have been increasing across southern Europe 🔥 
 
Find out more at: <a href="https://t.co/XpGvS6clWN">https://t.co/XpGvS6clWN</a> <a href="https://t.co/vR7q7GX3NJ">pic.twitter.com/vR7q7GX3NJ</a>
— Copernicus ECMWF (@CopernicusECMWF) <a href="https://twitter.com/CopernicusECMWF/status/1549353257595817984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Prediction by The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) comes after extremely high surface ozone pollution was experienced across western and southern Europe, particularly along the West Coast of Portugal and parts of northern Italy.&nbsp;

"The potential impacts of very high ozone pollution on human health can be considerable both in terms of respiratory and cardio-vascular illness," said Mark Parrington, Senior Scientist from CAMS.&nbsp;

Importantly, Ozone (O3) at the Earth's surface is a key air pollutant and it is a major greenhouse gas and component of urban smog. It harms human health and inhibits photosynthesis in plants.&nbsp;

Ozone is formed as emissions from fossil fuels and other man-made pollutants react in the presence of sunlight. For the unversed, the ozone layer in the stratosphere protects life on Earth from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. But it plays a different role as a major greenhouse gas at lower altitudes. &nbsp;

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Britain recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday (July 19), with the temperature exceeding 40C. Not just Britain, the entire Europe is gripped by the extreme heatwave.

Britain recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday (July 19), with the temperature exceeding 40C. Not just Britain, the entire Europe is gripped by the extreme heatwave. Hot weather has fueled a spate of fires across London. As parts of Europe continue to burn, the region's atmospheric monitoring service has issued a warning that the heatwave is generating very high levels of harmful ozone pollution. It added that large areas of western Europe also face "extreme" danger of wildfires. According to a statement from the Copernicus monitoring service: "Tinder dry conditions and extreme heat are exacerbating the risk of wildfires." The warning also mentioned that a large proportion of western Europe is in "extreme fire danger" and some areas of "very extreme fire danger". Copernicus also said that the heatwave is also causing high levels of ground-level ozone. On its website, the monitoring service wrote that the scientists are warning "very high levels of ozone pollution" in southern Europe caused by the heatwave could now affect northwestern regions in the coming week. ALSO READ | Man trying to destroy evidence of theft sparks 1,000-hectare bushfire #CopernicusAtmosphere Monitoring Service is predicting very high levels of surface #ozone pollution across a large region of #Europe caused by the #heatwave. Meanwhile, wildfires have been increasing across southern Europe 🔥 Find out more at: https://t.co/XpGvS6clWN pic.twitter.com/vR7q7GX3NJ — Copernicus ECMWF (@CopernicusECMWF) July 19, 2022 × Prediction by The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) comes after extremely high surface ozone pollution was experienced across western and southern Europe, particularly along the West Coast of Portugal and parts of northern Italy. "The potential impacts of very high ozone pollution on human health can be considerable both in terms of respiratory and cardio-vascular illness," said Mark Parrington, Senior Scientist from CAMS. Importantly, Ozone (O3) at the Earth's surface is a key air pollutant and it is a major greenhouse gas and component of urban smog. It harms human health and inhibits photosynthesis in plants. Ozone is formed as emissions from fossil fuels and other man-made pollutants react in the presence of sunlight. For the unversed, the ozone layer in the stratosphere protects life on Earth from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. But it plays a different role as a major greenhouse gas at lower altitudes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As heatwave continues across Europe, warning issued over 'very high' ozone pollution

Spanish club FC Barcelona on Tuesday (July 19) officially confirmed Robert Lewandowski is joining Barcelona in a €50 million deal until 2027. In a statement, Barca confirmed the move three days after both clubs announced that a deal "in principle" had been struck for Lewandowski.

Spanish club FC Barcelona on Tuesday (July 19) officially confirmed Robert Lewandowski is joining Barcelona in a €50 million deal until 2027. In a statement, Barca confirmed the move three days after both clubs announced that a deal "in principle" had been struck for Lewandowski. "Barcelona and Bayern Munich have arrived at an agreement for the transfer of Robert Lewandowski for a total of €45 million + €5 million in variables," Barca said in a statement. The player will sign a contract with the Club for the next four seasons. The buyout clause has been set at €500 million," the statement added. ALSO READ | 'I am well informed': Erik Ten Hag claims Cristiano Ronaldo will extend stay at Man Utd despite exit rumours The Polish striker met his new teammates in the United States when he arrived in Miami on Sunday. The new Barca striker also passed his medical. Lewandowski is Barcelona's fourth signing of the summer after Franck Kessie (AC Milan) and Andreas Christensen (Chelsea), arrived as free agents while Rapinha cost 70 million euros from Leeds. The agreement between Barca and Bayern closed the standoff with the player who said at the end of May "it is certain that my story with Bayern has come to an end". ALSO READ | 'They will miss Sterling, Jesus a lot': Sergio Aguero issues warning to Man City over Erling Haaland View this post on Instagram A post shared by FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) × Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann sounded somewhat frustrated while speaking to the press ahead of the first preseason friendly against DC United over Lewandowski's move to Barcelona. As quoted by Bavarian Football Works, Nagelsmann was puzzled about Barcelona being able to buy multiple expensive players while in debt. He said: "I don’t know how" and added that they're the "only club in the world who has no money but could buy every player". Bayern had only offered Lewandowski a one-year extension to his contract, which expires in the summer of 2023. Reports emerged that he was also unhappy with the salary offered. There were claims that he had clashed with the Bavarian club's coach Nagelsmann over tactical choices. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'It's not a dream': Robert Lewandowski joins Barcelona from Bayern until 2027

Luton airport in Britain's London had to briefly suspend operations on Monday (July 18) after a runway "defect" was spotted. Airport officials said that extreme heat had caused the runway damage. Military and civilian flying operations were disrupted.&nbsp;

Britain, France and some other European countries are currently in the grip of a fierce heatwave, facing record temperatures.&nbsp;

Particularly in the UK, the situation is alarming with the Met Office issuing a red extreme heat warning in much of England, with temperatures set to hit 41C on Tuesday (July 19).&nbsp;

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-passengers-in-shock-as-train-halts-in-middle-of-wildfire-in-spain-498593">Passengers in shock as train halts in middle of wildfire in Spain</a>&nbsp;

In Britain, the weather forecasters have warned the locals regarding the extreme heat. The authorities have noted that the country is unprepared for the weather that is putting lives at risk.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the brief suspension of operations at the Luton airport was quite alarming. Reports have mentioned that the airport is used by airlines including EasyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair and TUI.&nbsp;

FlightRadar24 data showed that around 14 flights were diverted to other airports including Gatwick and Stansted. They were due to land at Luton.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-police-finds-30-endangered-green-sea-turtles-with-bleeding-neck-wounds-498570">Japan: Police find&nbsp;30 endangered green sea turtles with 'bleeding' neck wounds</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by The Guardian, the passengers on one incoming easyJet flight were told they were being diverted because of "bits of tarmac melting" on the runway.&nbsp;

With a message of apology, the airport tweeted: "Following today's high temperatures, a surface defect was identified on the runway."&nbsp;

Later, the runway was reopened to departing flights and arrivals after repairs.&nbsp;

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ℹ️ Update at 18.15 <a href="https://t.co/p4m68M1V1s">pic.twitter.com/p4m68M1V1s</a>
— London Luton Airport (@LDNLutonAirport) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDNLutonAirport/status/1549080881947709444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The "bits of tarmac melting" report appeared to be sounded bizarre. Is it really possible ofr got the weather to melt the materials used to make the airport runways?&nbsp;

The Guardian report quoted a National Highways spokesperson that asphalt on minor roads could reach the melting point. The main strategic roads were engineered to be resilient to temperatures of more than 60C, and there were no reported problems.&nbsp;

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Luton airport in Britain's London had to briefly suspend operations on Monday (July 18) after a runway "defect" was spotted. Airport officials said that extreme heat had caused the runway damage.

Luton airport in Britain's London had to briefly suspend operations on Monday (July 18) after a runway "defect" was spotted. Airport officials said that extreme heat had caused the runway damage. Military and civilian flying operations were disrupted. Britain, France and some other European countries are currently in the grip of a fierce heatwave, facing record temperatures. Particularly in the UK, the situation is alarming with the Met Office issuing a red extreme heat warning in much of England, with temperatures set to hit 41C on Tuesday (July 19). WATCH | Passengers in shock as train halts in middle of wildfire in Spain In Britain, the weather forecasters have warned the locals regarding the extreme heat. The authorities have noted that the country is unprepared for the weather that is putting lives at risk. Meanwhile, the brief suspension of operations at the Luton airport was quite alarming. Reports have mentioned that the airport is used by airlines including EasyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair and TUI. FlightRadar24 data showed that around 14 flights were diverted to other airports including Gatwick and Stansted. They were due to land at Luton. ALSO READ | Japan: Police find 30 endangered green sea turtles with 'bleeding' neck wounds As quoted by The Guardian, the passengers on one incoming easyJet flight were told they were being diverted because of "bits of tarmac melting" on the runway. With a message of apology, the airport tweeted: "Following today's high temperatures, a surface defect was identified on the runway." Later, the runway was reopened to departing flights and arrivals after repairs. ℹ️ Update at 18.15 pic.twitter.com/p4m68M1V1s — London Luton Airport (@LDNLutonAirport) July 18, 2022 × The "bits of tarmac melting" report appeared to be sounded bizarre. Is it really possible ofr got the weather to melt the materials used to make the airport runways? The Guardian report quoted a National Highways spokesperson that asphalt on minor roads could reach the melting point. The main strategic roads were engineered to be resilient to temperatures of more than 60C, and there were no reported problems. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: Air traffic briefly suspended at Luton airport as hot weather 'melted' the runway

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