A giant tsunami cloud slammed a beach in France, as temperatures fell by 11 degrees in just six minutes. Beachgoers described the scene "like a tornado" as day turned to night, with extreme wind speeds. It got "clouded over and turned misty," a woman told Franceinfo. The weather phenomenon was reported from the Basque coast on Sunday afternoon. The "galerne storm" was "unlike anything we’d ever seen," a man said. Europe is in the grips of a heatwave with temperatures touching 38C in this area. The same thing happened in Biarritz recently, where a record temperature of 42.9C was recorded. A powerful westerly wind brought down the temperature to 23C within minutes.&nbsp;Photos and videos show a large cloud looking over the shoreline, similar to a tsunami wave in appearance, hence lending it the name. Sébastien Léas, a forecaster at Météo-France, said that a wall of humidity was visible coming in from the open sea, but you can only see it ten minutes before the storm, and not before. Galernes occur when cold maritime air from the Bay of Biscay arrives over warmer land, triggering violent wind gusts of up to 94 kmph.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Comment vider la plage d’Hendaye en 2 minutes… 🌬️😅 Énorme enbata ce soir sur la grande plage d’Hendaye ! En quelques instants, cette véritable galerne a fait chuter la température de plus de 15 °C.<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/hendaye?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hendaye</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/paysbasque?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paysbasque</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/canicule?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#canicule</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/galerne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#galerne</a> <a href="https://t.co/AuLIqXmg5J">pic.twitter.com/AuLIqXmg5J</a>&mdash; Marco Urrutia (@MarcoUrrutia_PB) <a href="https://x.com/MarcoUrrutia_PB/status/2076389015687721110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Léas explained that the wind became oceanic in Hendaye. This cooler and humid air caused a sudden shift from dry heat to humid coolness. As the wind howled through the beach, people gathered their belongings and ran to safety.<h2>Heatwave and record wildfires grip France</h2>Europe is in the clutches of its third heatwave this summer. Temperatures in Sardinia, Italy, are expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius between Thursday and Friday. The heatwave has triggered wildfires, and firefighters are battling a blaze in a forest near Paris. Scientists say controlling wildfires is becoming extremely difficult due to climate change.&nbsp;Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said that two blazes, one in Fontainebleau and the other nearby, had scorched 1,300 hectares of land. &nbsp;A6 highway linking the capital with Lyon and the south had to be closed, disrupting high-speed services. Nunez said it could be a historic year for fires in France, as 32,000 hectares of land have already burned this year. "We'll probably have a record year. We expected this with this major drought," he said.

Beachgoers in Hendaye, France, were left running to safety after a wall of humidity started moving towards them, and wind gusts reached nearly 100 kmph. Europe is witnessing a heatwave, and the phenomenon is linked to warm land.

A giant tsunami cloud slammed a beach in France, as temperatures fell by 11 degrees in just six minutes. Beachgoers described the scene "like a tornado" as day turned to night, with extreme wind speeds. It got "clouded over and turned misty," a woman told Franceinfo. The weather phenomenon was reported from the Basque coast on Sunday afternoon. The "galerne storm" was "unlike anything we’d ever seen," a man said. Europe is in the grips of a heatwave with temperatures touching 38C in this area. The same thing happened in Biarritz recently, where a record temperature of 42.9C was recorded. A powerful westerly wind brought down the temperature to 23C within minutes. Photos and videos show a large cloud looking over the shoreline, similar to a tsunami wave in appearance, hence lending it the name. Sébastien Léas, a forecaster at Météo-France, said that a wall of humidity was visible coming in from the open sea, but you can only see it ten minutes before the storm, and not before. Galernes occur when cold maritime air from the Bay of Biscay arrives over warmer land, triggering violent wind gusts of up to 94 kmph.

Beachgoers in Hendaye, France, were left running to safety after a wall of humidity started moving towards them, and wind gusts reached nearly 100 kmph. Europe is witnessing a heatwave, and the phenomenon is linked to warm land.

11C in 6 minutes: 'Tsunami cloud' slams French beach, wind speeds touch 100 kmph

France is witnessing "a higher than normal number of deaths" linked to the ongoing heatwave, Health Minister Stephanie Rist said on Saturday, warning that the full impact is still unfolding as the country battles one of its most severe heatwaves in decades.&nbsp;A historic heatwave driven by a Saharan "heat dome" has gripped France, pushing temperatures to record levels across the country. Temperatures ranged between 39°C and 44.3°C in several areas, while Paris recorded 40.9°C. The extreme conditions prompted Météo France to place 72 departments under its highest Red Alert, triggering a major public health crisis.&nbsp;"The extreme heat of recent days has a delayed impact, particularly on vulnerable people but also on some younger ones, who end up in the emergency room five to 10 days after the heatwave," Rist told La Tribune newspaper.&nbsp;"We're seeing indicators that mortality will very likely be higher than at the same time last year."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-trump-s-new-deportations-chief-meet-ice-director-nominee-lance-schroyer-1782596933816">Who is Trump's new deportations chief? Meet ICE director nominee Lance Schroyer</a><h2>Hospitals remain under pressure</h2>French authorities said on Thursday that hospitals in and around Paris were approaching saturation as they continued to deal with the effects of the prolonged heatwave.&nbsp;Rist said the burden on hospitals is expected to continue even after temperatures fall, as patients with chronic illnesses may continue to experience health complications.&nbsp;"The effects of the heatwave for patients with chronic illnesses "can last for several weeks."&nbsp;"But providing reliable figures takes time. Only 60 per cent of death certificates are issued electronically. We have to wait for the paper certificates to come in," she said.&nbsp;The minister added that the figures would be released "with full transparency" using the "most reliable figures possible".&nbsp;The government has activated the highest level of its emergency health plan, deploying the country's medical reserve force to support overstretched hospitals. Authorities have also banned public alcohol consumption and stopped evening alcohol sales in Paris and other Red Alert areas to reduce pressure on emergency services and lower the risk of severe dehydration.&nbsp;Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said at least 74 people have drowned in France since June 18 as the country grappled with the extreme heat.&nbsp;Most of the deaths occurred "in unauthorised, unsupervised bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and ponds," he said, adding that there had also been drownings in private swimming pools.

The government activated its highest emergency health plan to support overwhelmed hospitals, while Rist said official mortality figures would be released "with full transparency" using the "most reliable figures possible".

France is witnessing "a higher than normal number of deaths" linked to the ongoing heatwave, Health Minister Stephanie Rist said on Saturday, warning that the full impact is still unfolding as the country battles one of its most severe heatwaves in decades. A historic heatwave driven by a Saharan "heat dome" has gripped France, pushing temperatures to record levels across the country. Temperatures ranged between 39°C and 44.3°C in several areas, while Paris recorded 40.9°C. The extreme conditions prompted Météo France to place 72 departments under its highest Red Alert, triggering a major public health crisis. "The extreme heat of recent days has a delayed impact, particularly on vulnerable people but also on some younger ones, who end up in the emergency room five to 10 days after the heatwave," Rist told La Tribune newspaper. "We're seeing indicators that mortality will very likely be higher than at the same time last year." Also Read: Who is Trump's new deportations chief? Meet ICE director nominee Lance Schroyer Hospitals remain under pressure French authorities said on Thursday that hospitals in and around Paris were approaching saturation as they continued to deal with the effects of the prolonged heatwave. Rist said the burden on hospitals is expected to continue even after temperatures fall, as patients with chronic illnesses may continue to experience health complications. "The effects of the heatwave for patients with chronic illnesses "can last for several weeks." "But providing reliable figures takes time. Only 60 per cent of death certificates are issued electronically. We have to wait for the paper certificates to come in," she said. The minister added that the figures would be released "with full transparency" using the "most reliable figures possible". The government has activated the highest level of its emergency health plan, deploying the country's medical reserve force to support overstretched hospitals. Authorities have also banned public alcohol consumption and stopped evening alcohol sales in Paris and other Red Alert areas to reduce pressure on emergency services and lower the risk of severe dehydration. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said at least 74 people have drowned in France since June 18 as the country grappled with the extreme heat. Most of the deaths occurred "in unauthorised, unsupervised bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and ponds," he said, adding that there had also been drownings in private swimming pools.

The government activated its highest emergency health plan to support overwhelmed hospitals, while Rist said official mortality figures would be released "with full transparency" using the "most reliable figures possible".

France heatwave turns deadly as deaths rise and drowning toll reaches record high

The year 2026 is when the West is feeling the true effects of climate change and global warming. Europe is baking under a heat dome, and the United States is next, where some parts will be swept by a dangerous heatwave. India has been under the scorching sun for years, with each summer getting hotter. The Super El Niño has taken over the globe, which could lead to droughts and even hotter conditions. So how is the European heatwave different from what happens in India, and what can it tell us about our future, and what we may have gotten wrong?&nbsp;According to experts, what is happening in Europe is an indication that extreme heat is becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged worldwide. "For India, it signals hotter summers, longer heatwaves, greater water stress, and increased health risks. What is exceptional today may become normal tomorrow," Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, says.&nbsp;Others think that the problem lies in the fact that the extreme heat was treated as a problem in the poorer, hotter parts of the world. India, the Gulf, and sub-Saharan Africa. “So when temperate, wealthy Europe starts recording the temperatures it has this year, the useful lesson isn't that India should brace itself. It's that the old assumption was wrong. Heat resilience was never really about how hot your climate already is, or how rich you are,” Ruchir Punjabi, co-founder of Zero Prize, an organisation that works to address India’s most urgent environmental challenges.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/analysis-economic-toll-of-heatwaves-and-droughts-on-india-amid-europe-heatwave-1782378337441">Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave</a>&nbsp;The primary problem with heatwaves in India is that it comes with several add-ons. “What makes India's situation different is that heat here rarely arrives on its own. It comes with water shortages, with some of the worst air quality in the world, with dense cities and millions of people who work outdoors and simply cannot stay in,” Ruchir says. “A construction worker in Nagpur at midday has nowhere to go. A family under a tin roof in Mumbai is in unbearable heat by early afternoon.”&nbsp;<h2>How India’s preparedness in tackling heat compares to Europe</h2> India has experience on its side, and there is a lot it can learn from the way Europe is handling the crisis. But it is also true the other way around. “Indian cities have greater experience dealing with heat, while many European cities historically did not. However, Europe often has stronger healthcare and emergency systems. India has experience; Europe has infrastructure. Both still face significant challenges,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-omega-block-europe-heatwave-1782385542948">Omega Block is baking Europe, and humans have amplified it - How does it form and work?</a>&nbsp;In 2013, Ahmedabad introduced South Asia's first Heat Action Plan after a 2010 heatwave killed more than 1,300 people in the city. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) worked alongside public health experts to establish a blueprint for protecting vulnerable populations. It works with three core strategies - Early Warning &amp; Alert Systems, creating public awareness and medical and infrastructure preparedness.&nbsp;The model has been replicated not just in several Indian cities but also in other South Asian countries. “Much of Europe is only writing these plans now,” Ruchir says. “The Ahmedabad plan is studied abroad precisely because it was built for a city with limited resources and high exposure, which is closer to the global norm than London or Paris is,” adds Ruchir. So India is basically ahead when it comes to plans and policies.&nbsp;There is also a lazy assumption that Indian cities are concrete and grey while European ones are green and well-planned. The data doesn't support it. Delhi's green cover is around 23 per cent, higher than London's tree canopy at roughly 20 per cent.&nbsp;<h2>Where Europe is ahead of India?</h2> India has a thing or two to learn from Europe as well. The most important lesson is one India arguably learned earlier: heat is a public health problem, not just an environmental one, says Ruchir. “When hospitals fill up, when people can't work outdoors, when schools close and power grids strain, heat has stopped being about the weather,” he says. Europe basically is better at coordinating a health response across regions and on surge planning in hospitals.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/beat-the-heat-why-europe-is-banning-alcohol-in-heatwave-and-why-drinking-in-hot-weather-is-a-bad-idea-india-1782532904238">Beat the heat: Why Europe is banning alcohol in heatwave, and why drinking in hot weather is a bad idea</a><h2>What India needs to do to tackle the increasing heat better</h2> India can strengthen heat-health warning systems, protect vulnerable populations, expand urban green spaces, promote climate-sensitive architecture, and use data-driven planning. Heat should be treated as a major public health issue,” &nbsp;Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-heatwave-health-officials-warn-against-drinking-in-extreme-heat-1782548836451/embed&nbsp;Ruchir echoes these views. “Where I think we should concentrate is urban planning, because that is where the long-term gains sit. More tree cover, shaded public spaces, cooler buildings, restored water bodies,” he says. However, simply doing all this doesn’t mean that heat exposure is lowered. “The discipline that has been missing is measuring whether an intervention actually lowers heat exposure for the people living with it, rather than assuming that good design produces good outcomes.” &nbsp;

India has more experience in fighting heatwaves and extreme temperatures, while Europe is only now putting plans on paper. There is a lot that India can teach Europe in terms of tackling hot conditions. Meanwhile, Europe is better at coordinating a health response. 

The year 2026 is when the West is feeling the true effects of climate change and global warming. Europe is baking under a heat dome, and the United States is next, where some parts will be swept by a dangerous heatwave. India has been under the scorching sun for years, with each summer getting hotter. The Super El Niño has taken over the globe, which could lead to droughts and even hotter conditions. So how is the European heatwave different from what happens in India, and what can it tell us about our future, and what we may have gotten wrong? According to experts, what is happening in Europe is an indication that extreme heat is becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged worldwide. "For India, it signals hotter summers, longer heatwaves, greater water stress, and increased health risks. What is exceptional today may become normal tomorrow," Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, says. Others think that the problem lies in the fact that the extreme heat was treated as a problem in the poorer, hotter parts of the world. India, the Gulf, and sub-Saharan Africa. “So when temperate, wealthy Europe starts recording the temperatures it has this year, the useful lesson isn't that India should brace itself. It's that the old assumption was wrong. Heat resilience was never really about how hot your climate already is, or how rich you are,” Ruchir Punjabi, co-founder of Zero Prize, an organisation that works to address India’s most urgent environmental challenges. Also Read: Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave The primary problem with heatwaves in India is that it comes with several add-ons. “What makes India's situation different is that heat here rarely arrives on its own. It comes with water shortages, with some of the worst air quality in the world, with dense cities and millions of people who work outdoors and simply cannot stay in,” Ruchir says. “A construction worker in Nagpur at midday has nowhere to go. A family under a tin roof in Mumbai is in unbearable heat by early afternoon.” How India’s preparedness in tackling heat compares to Europe India has experience on its side, and there is a lot it can learn from the way Europe is handling the crisis. But it is also true the other way around. “Indian cities have greater experience dealing with heat, while many European cities historically did not. However, Europe often has stronger healthcare and emergency systems. India has experience; Europe has infrastructure. Both still face significant challenges,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says. Also Read: Omega Block is baking Europe, and humans have amplified it - How does it form and work? In 2013, Ahmedabad introduced South Asia's first Heat Action Plan after a 2010 heatwave killed more than 1,300 people in the city. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) worked alongside public health experts to establish a blueprint for protecting vulnerable populations. It works with three core strategies - Early Warning & Alert Systems, creating public awareness and medical and infrastructure preparedness. The model has been replicated not just in several Indian cities but also in other South Asian countries. “Much of Europe is only writing these plans now,” Ruchir says. “The Ahmedabad plan is studied abroad precisely because it was built for a city with limited resources and high exposure, which is closer to the global norm than London or Paris is,” adds Ruchir. So India is basically ahead when it comes to plans and policies. There is also a lazy assumption that Indian cities are concrete and grey while European ones are green and well-planned. The data doesn't support it. Delhi's green cover is around 23 per cent, higher than London's tree canopy at roughly 20 per cent. Where Europe is ahead of India? India has a thing or two to learn from Europe as well. The most important lesson is one India arguably learned earlier: heat is a public health problem, not just an environmental one, says Ruchir. “When hospitals fill up, when people can't work outdoors, when schools close and power grids strain, heat has stopped being about the weather,” he says. Europe basically is better at coordinating a health response across regions and on surge planning in hospitals. Also Read: Beat the heat: Why Europe is banning alcohol in heatwave, and why drinking in hot weather is a bad idea What India needs to do to tackle the increasing heat better India can strengthen heat-health warning systems, protect vulnerable populations, expand urban green spaces, promote climate-sensitive architecture, and use data-driven planning. Heat should be treated as a major public health issue,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says. https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-heatwave-health-officials-warn-against-drinking-in-extreme-heat-1782548836451/embed Ruchir echoes these views. “Where I think we should concentrate is urban planning, because that is where the long-term gains sit. More tree cover, shaded public spaces, cooler buildings, restored water bodies,” he says. However, simply doing all this doesn’t mean that heat exposure is lowered. “The discipline that has been missing is measuring whether an intervention actually lowers heat exposure for the people living with it, rather than assuming that good design produces good outcomes.”

India has more experience in fighting heatwaves and extreme temperatures, while Europe is only now putting plans on paper. There is a lot that India can teach Europe in terms of tackling hot conditions. Meanwhile, Europe is better at coordinating a health response.&nbsp;

Analysis: What India and Europe can learn from each other in heat preparedness?

As a record-breaking heatwave grips large parts of Europe, authorities are increasingly worried about what happens when soaring temperatures collide with alcohol. Paris has even put a temporary ban on public drinking because hospitals are getting overburdened. As per reports, in just one 24-hour period, as the temperature spiked, cardiac arrests went up four times over.It leaves everyone asking the same question: Is a cold drink in a heatwave really that bad? Well, yeah. But it's not about the drink itself; it is about what alcohol does to your body’s internal thermostat.<h2>The hydration trap</h2>In heat, your body sweats to cool itself and loses water in the process. Alcohol, meanwhile, drains you from the inside out. It's a diuretic, which is just a medical way of saying it forces your body to pee out way more liquid than you're actually drinking.If we talk about a standard shot of whisky. That tiny bit of liquor (25ml)forces your body to dump about four times its volume in urine (100ml).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ac-nation-how-singapore-beats-the-heat-offers-lesson-for-india-other-nations-facing-super-el-ni-o-slow-monsoon-heatwaves-1782386547272">‘AC Nation’ Singapore's lessons for India, other nations amid Super El Niño heat</a><h2>What alcohol does to your heart</h2>When it gets hot, your body tries to cool down by widening the blood vessels near your skin to let heat escape. You're also sweating, which drops your overall blood volume.When you add alcohol, it forces those blood vessels to open up even wider. Low blood volume plus wide-open vessels equals a massive drop in blood pressure. Suddenly, your heart has to pump like crazy just to keep oxygen moving to your brain and organs. That's why people get dizzy or faint.Even worse, when you dehydrate, you lose electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Your heart needs those to keep a steady rhythm. Lose too many, and you risk an irregular heartbeat or, in worst-case scenarios, a heart attack.<h2>Blurring the warning signs</h2>Alcohol also paves the way for heatstroke, which is a literal life-or-death emergency where your body's cooling system just breaks down. Because you're dehydrated, you stop sweating properly.But the biggest issue is your brain. A few drinks in, and you're probably not going to notice that your headache, nausea, or racing pulse is actually a medical emergency. You miss the warning signs until it's too late.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/it-will-melt-your-face-off-heat-dome-to-scorch-united-states-through-july-4-1782533265772">'It will melt your face off': Heat dome to scorch United States through July 4</a><h2>So, should you completely avoid alcohol?</h2>Not necessarily. Doctors find that if you just tell people "don't drink," they don't automatically reach for water or juice instead; they just drink nothing, which makes them even more dehydrated. If you're going to have a drink, skip the heavy liquor and cocktails. Stick to something weak, like a low-ABV beer, pace yourself, and chug water alongside it.

A heatwave already puts stress on the body. Add alcohol to the mix, and the risks multiply. From dehydration and fainting to irregular heart rhythms and heatstroke, experts say drinking in extreme heat can quickly become dangerous.

As a record-breaking heatwave grips large parts of Europe, authorities are increasingly worried about what happens when soaring temperatures collide with alcohol. Paris has even put a temporary ban on public drinking because hospitals are getting overburdened. As per reports, in just one 24-hour period, as the temperature spiked, cardiac arrests went up four times over. It leaves everyone asking the same question: Is a cold drink in a heatwave really that bad? Well, yeah. But it's not about the drink itself; it is about what alcohol does to your body’s internal thermostat. The hydration trap In heat, your body sweats to cool itself and loses water in the process. Alcohol, meanwhile, drains you from the inside out. It's a diuretic, which is just a medical way of saying it forces your body to pee out way more liquid than you're actually drinking. If we talk about a standard shot of whisky. That tiny bit of liquor (25ml)forces your body to dump about four times its volume in urine (100ml). Also read | ‘AC Nation’ Singapore's lessons for India, other nations amid Super El Niño heat What alcohol does to your heart When it gets hot, your body tries to cool down by widening the blood vessels near your skin to let heat escape. You're also sweating, which drops your overall blood volume. When you add alcohol, it forces those blood vessels to open up even wider. Low blood volume plus wide-open vessels equals a massive drop in blood pressure. Suddenly, your heart has to pump like crazy just to keep oxygen moving to your brain and organs. That's why people get dizzy or faint. Even worse, when you dehydrate, you lose electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Your heart needs those to keep a steady rhythm. Lose too many, and you risk an irregular heartbeat or, in worst-case scenarios, a heart attack. Blurring the warning signs Alcohol also paves the way for heatstroke, which is a literal life-or-death emergency where your body's cooling system just breaks down. Because you're dehydrated, you stop sweating properly. But the biggest issue is your brain. A few drinks in, and you're probably not going to notice that your headache, nausea, or racing pulse is actually a medical emergency. You miss the warning signs until it's too late. Also read | 'It will melt your face off': Heat dome to scorch United States through July 4 So, should you completely avoid alcohol? Not necessarily. Doctors find that if you just tell people "don't drink," they don't automatically reach for water or juice instead; they just drink nothing, which makes them even more dehydrated. If you're going to have a drink, skip the heavy liquor and cocktails. Stick to something weak, like a low-ABV beer, pace yourself, and chug water alongside it.

A heatwave already puts stress on the body. Add alcohol to the mix, and the risks multiply. From dehydration and fainting to irregular heart rhythms and heatstroke, experts say drinking in extreme heat can quickly become dangerous.

Beat the heat: Why Europe is banning alcohol in heatwave, and why drinking in hot weather is a bad idea

Formula One's governing body has declared a heat hazard for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring, marking the first time the designation has been used during the 2026 season. Race Director Rui Marques confirmed that temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) are forecast for the event. Under Formula One regulations, a heat hazard declaration requires teams to install a driver cooling system, such as a liquid-cooled vest. However, drivers are not required to use the equipment and may instead accept a ballast penalty.&nbsp;To accommodate the additional cooling hardware, the minimum weight of the cars is increased. The heat hazard designation was first introduced after being added to Formula One regulations in 2025. It was initially used during the Singapore Grand Prix in October 2025 and later at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar believes the most challenging moments come when drivers are stationary rather than racing at speed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-fifa-world-cup-2026-on-course-to-become-the-highest-scoring-tournament-ever-1782401030978">FIFA World Cup 2026 becomes highest-scoring World Cup in 68 years as Lionel Messi leads goal rush</a>&nbsp;"I think the moments where you have zero kph in the car, they are definitely the worst," said Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar of sitting on the starting grid in such hot conditions. “To be fair, when driving, it’s not too bad. We’ve got good AC (air conditioning) with our open cockpit, so it’s fine.” &nbsp;The French driver also revealed he will not use a cooling vest because he finds it uncomfortable and restrictive. "It works really well though for like 10 minutes and then it’s warm again. So, I’m okay. Honestly, I’ve never been to a point where I really needed that vest. If I need it, that means the car as well can’t handle it and we can’t drive. So, I think the car will give up before I do," he said.&nbsp;McLaren's Oscar Piastri offered a different perspective and explained how he prepared for the expected high temperatures. "You can cause yourself a lot of discomfort, a lot of pain by doing that. So, I do that for the benefit of my performance. Not for pleasure, that’s for sure," smiled the Australian.&nbsp;Piastri disclosed that he trained using portable heaters and an exercise bike in a small bathroom to simulate race-day conditions.“I think if you get the (cooling jacket) system working well, then it can help a bit. It’s not a complete game changer but when I used it last year, it was okay.” Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix will be the eighth round of the Formula One championship, with 19-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leading the standings heading into the race weekend.

Formula One has activated a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring as temperatures surpass 31°C. Drivers discuss cooling vests, race conditions, and preparations ahead of the championship battle

Formula One's governing body has declared a heat hazard for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring, marking the first time the designation has been used during the 2026 season. Race Director Rui Marques confirmed that temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) are forecast for the event. Under Formula One regulations, a heat hazard declaration requires teams to install a driver cooling system, such as a liquid-cooled vest. However, drivers are not required to use the equipment and may instead accept a ballast penalty. To accommodate the additional cooling hardware, the minimum weight of the cars is increased. The heat hazard designation was first introduced after being added to Formula One regulations in 2025. It was initially used during the Singapore Grand Prix in October 2025 and later at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar believes the most challenging moments come when drivers are stationary rather than racing at speed. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 becomes highest-scoring World Cup in 68 years as Lionel Messi leads goal rush "I think the moments where you have zero kph in the car, they are definitely the worst," said Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar of sitting on the starting grid in such hot conditions. “To be fair, when driving, it’s not too bad. We’ve got good AC (air conditioning) with our open cockpit, so it’s fine.” The French driver also revealed he will not use a cooling vest because he finds it uncomfortable and restrictive. "It works really well though for like 10 minutes and then it’s warm again. So, I’m okay. Honestly, I’ve never been to a point where I really needed that vest. If I need it, that means the car as well can’t handle it and we can’t drive. So, I think the car will give up before I do," he said. McLaren's Oscar Piastri offered a different perspective and explained how he prepared for the expected high temperatures. "You can cause yourself a lot of discomfort, a lot of pain by doing that. So, I do that for the benefit of my performance. Not for pleasure, that’s for sure," smiled the Australian. Piastri disclosed that he trained using portable heaters and an exercise bike in a small bathroom to simulate race-day conditions. “I think if you get the (cooling jacket) system working well, then it can help a bit. It’s not a complete game changer but when I used it last year, it was okay.” Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix will be the eighth round of the Formula One championship, with 19-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leading the standings heading into the race weekend.

Formula One has declared a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix as temperatures exceed 31°C, forcing teams to install cooling systems

Why has Formula One declared a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix? Here's all you need to know

Omega Block is causing Europe’s heatwave, with temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius in some regions. It is a powerful meteorological phenomenon featuring a high-pressure system sandwiched between two low-pressure systems. The jet stream in the upper atmosphere bends around them to form a shape that resembles the Greek letter Omega. It traps intensely hot air under it, forming a heat dome, which is what the European countries are feeling at the moment.&nbsp;<h2>How is an Omega Block formed? Is it linked to climate change?</h2>&nbsp;The flow of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere depends on the temperatures at the equator and the poles. If the two stand in sharp contrast, the jet stream flows smoothly from west to east. But if it weakens, the air starts acting in an abnormal fashion. Instead of moving in a straight line, it starts moving wildly in the north and south direction, forming what are called Rossby waves.The jet stream slows, and the Rossby waves keep growing. A large area within this moves north and, in doing so, pulls warm air up from the tropics. Around this area region two low-pressure areas are formed that dip south, pulling cold air from the polar regions.&nbsp;This formation is eventually cut off from the main flow of air. The jet stream splits, with one part branching north and the other dipping south. This Omega Block is incredibly stable as all three systems work together to lock each other. But the global jet stream continues to move, bypassing this entire setup. The Omega Block is basically blocked in place, and so the underneath remains virtually unchanged. It stays there until a powerful storm moves upstream.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/europe-s-heatwaves-threaten-to-push-127-million-into-poverty-by-2100-1782369833103">Europe's heatwaves threaten to push 127 million into poverty by 2100, study finds</a><h2>In absence of clouds, solar radiation bakes the region&nbsp;</h2>The central high-pressure zone constantly forces air downward, and as it compresses, the heat increases and cloud formation is stopped. In the absence of cloud cover, the Sun shines brightly over this area, and the radiation makes the place hotter. The ground dries out, and as a result, air-cooling evaporation does not happen. The dry ground radiates heat back into the atmosphere, thus making it hotter. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/analysis-economic-toll-of-heatwaves-and-droughts-on-india-amid-europe-heatwave-1782378337441">Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave</a>&nbsp;This weather phenomenon is aggravated by human activities. The Urban Heat Island effect has made the planet hotter. With concrete and glass everywhere, the surfaces reflect heat, which gets trapped between buildings. Air conditioners release a lot of hot air, which keeps piling up, worsening the situation.&nbsp;

Europe is sweltering and baking because of the Omega Block. What is it and how is it formed? It is a strong weather phenomenon that traps air over a large area, cutting itself off from the jet stream. It is linkd to global warming and changes in temperature at the poles. 

Omega Block is causing Europe’s heatwave, with temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius in some regions. It is a powerful meteorological phenomenon featuring a high-pressure system sandwiched between two low-pressure systems. The jet stream in the upper atmosphere bends around them to form a shape that resembles the Greek letter Omega. It traps intensely hot air under it, forming a heat dome, which is what the European countries are feeling at the moment. How is an Omega Block formed? Is it linked to climate change? The flow of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere depends on the temperatures at the equator and the poles. If the two stand in sharp contrast, the jet stream flows smoothly from west to east. But if it weakens, the air starts acting in an abnormal fashion. Instead of moving in a straight line, it starts moving wildly in the north and south direction, forming what are called Rossby waves. The jet stream slows, and the Rossby waves keep growing. A large area within this moves north and, in doing so, pulls warm air up from the tropics. Around this area region two low-pressure areas are formed that dip south, pulling cold air from the polar regions. This formation is eventually cut off from the main flow of air. The jet stream splits, with one part branching north and the other dipping south. This Omega Block is incredibly stable as all three systems work together to lock each other. But the global jet stream continues to move, bypassing this entire setup. The Omega Block is basically blocked in place, and so the underneath remains virtually unchanged. It stays there until a powerful storm moves upstream. Also Read: Europe's heatwaves threaten to push 127 million into poverty by 2100, study finds In absence of clouds, solar radiation bakes the region The central high-pressure zone constantly forces air downward, and as it compresses, the heat increases and cloud formation is stopped. In the absence of cloud cover, the Sun shines brightly over this area, and the radiation makes the place hotter. The ground dries out, and as a result, air-cooling evaporation does not happen. The dry ground radiates heat back into the atmosphere, thus making it hotter. Also Read: Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave This weather phenomenon is aggravated by human activities. The Urban Heat Island effect has made the planet hotter. With concrete and glass everywhere, the surfaces reflect heat, which gets trapped between buildings. Air conditioners release a lot of hot air, which keeps piling up, worsening the situation.

Europe is sweltering and baking because of the Omega Block. What is it and how is it formed? It is a strong weather phenomenon that traps air over a large area, cutting itself off from the jet stream. It is linked to global warming and changes in temperature at the poles.&nbsp;

Omega Block is baking Europe, and humans have amplified it - How does it form and work?

Europe’s heatwave could lead to major economic consequences, researchers have found. However, India is already suffering from it as temperatures have been soaring and the monsoon has remained stalled for nearly two weeks. According to a study by Climate Analytics, average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. For India, where a massive informal workforce exists, and sectors like agriculture heavily rely on the climate, the effects will be amplified manifold.&nbsp;&nbsp;Much research shows that rising temperatures directly impact the pockets of the common man. A World Bank working paper analysed subnational data and found that even a rise of 1 degree Celsius can cause a significant rise in local poverty and inequality indices.&nbsp;According to a study by Emerging Investigators, there is a significant negative relationship between heat waves and household income. The researchers found that the strongest negative correlation existed between heat waves and agricultural income, meaning that the agricultural sector was severely impacted by heat waves.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/europe-s-heatwaves-threaten-to-push-127-million-into-poverty-by-2100-1782369833103">Europe's heatwaves threaten to push 127 million into poverty by 2100, study finds</a>&nbsp;“A severe heatwave is not merely a climatic event; it is an economic shock that lowers productivity, damages crops, increases expenditure on food, electricity and healthcare, and steadily erodes the financial resilience of Indian households,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, said.&nbsp;For nearly 90 per cent of India's workforce in the informal sector, such as construction workers, street vendors, and agricultural labourers, heat stress will lead them to miss work, meaning a complete loss of daily wages.&nbsp;<h2>Agricultural impact</h2>The agricultural shock would be massive as extreme temperatures damage crop yields. Researchers from Cambridge estimate that record heatwaves put over 90 per cent of India's population at risk of losing income, going hungry, or facing severe health risks. With Super El Niño already having taken hold ot he the globe, droughts are expected. The monsoon in India was already delayed. The combined toll of heatwaves and droughts on agriculture could be immense.<h2>Food costs</h2> Food inflation is another fallout of extreme heat. As crops are damaged, the supply is heavily impacted. The rising prices will directly impact low-income families who spend the majority of their income on food. A 6–15 per cent spike in grain and vegetable prices directly threatens basic nutrition.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-its-hottest-june-day-beating-1957-and-1976-highs-who-warns-of-risk-to-lives-1782322982631">UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives</a><h2>GDP fall</h2> India’s GDP is in direct line of attack of climate change. It is projected to see a 2.8 decline by 2050, which could severely depress the living standards of nearly half the country's population. States like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are at a higher risk of witnessing this fall.&nbsp;<h2>Electricity and water crisis</h2> Increasing heat leads to a rise in demand for electricity, putting pressure on the grids. In this scenario, electric companies purchase expensive emergency fuel while passing on those costs to consumers in the form of surcharges. Heatwaves cause groundwater to deplete, forcing people to buy water from private tankers, putting additional pressure on their pockets.<h2>Health costs</h2> Extreme temperatures lead to heat stress, heatstroke, and a surge in vector-borne diseases. Families end up spending money on medical treatments, as public health facilities are strained. So while families from the informal sector are earning less during rising heat, they are forced to spend more on health and other utilities, dealing them a double blow.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The European heatwave has sent alarm bells ringing for the world. India has been battling extreme heat conditions, with research earlier showing that 95% of the world's hottest countries are in India. Here is how global warming impacts India economically. 

Europe’s heatwave could lead to major economic consequences, researchers have found. However, India is already suffering from it as temperatures have been soaring and the monsoon has remained stalled for nearly two weeks. According to a study by Climate Analytics, average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. For India, where a massive informal workforce exists, and sectors like agriculture heavily rely on the climate, the effects will be amplified manifold. Much research shows that rising temperatures directly impact the pockets of the common man. A World Bank working paper analysed subnational data and found that even a rise of 1 degree Celsius can cause a significant rise in local poverty and inequality indices. According to a study by Emerging Investigators, there is a significant negative relationship between heat waves and household income. The researchers found that the strongest negative correlation existed between heat waves and agricultural income, meaning that the agricultural sector was severely impacted by heat waves. Also Read: Europe's heatwaves threaten to push 127 million into poverty by 2100, study finds “A severe heatwave is not merely a climatic event; it is an economic shock that lowers productivity, damages crops, increases expenditure on food, electricity and healthcare, and steadily erodes the financial resilience of Indian households,” Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, said. For nearly 90 per cent of India's workforce in the informal sector, such as construction workers, street vendors, and agricultural labourers, heat stress will lead them to miss work, meaning a complete loss of daily wages. Agricultural impact The agricultural shock would be massive as extreme temperatures damage crop yields. Researchers from Cambridge estimate that record heatwaves put over 90 per cent of India's population at risk of losing income, going hungry, or facing severe health risks. With Super El Niño already having taken hold ot he the globe, droughts are expected. The monsoon in India was already delayed. The combined toll of heatwaves and droughts on agriculture could be immense. Food costs Food inflation is another fallout of extreme heat. As crops are damaged, the supply is heavily impacted. The rising prices will directly impact low-income families who spend the majority of their income on food. A 6–15 per cent spike in grain and vegetable prices directly threatens basic nutrition. Also Read: UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives GDP fall India’s GDP is in direct line of attack of climate change. It is projected to see a 2.8 decline by 2050, which could severely depress the living standards of nearly half the country's population. States like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are at a higher risk of witnessing this fall. Electricity and water crisis Increasing heat leads to a rise in demand for electricity, putting pressure on the grids. In this scenario, electric companies purchase expensive emergency fuel while passing on those costs to consumers in the form of surcharges. Heatwaves cause groundwater to deplete, forcing people to buy water from private tankers, putting additional pressure on their pockets. Health costs Extreme temperatures lead to heat stress, heatstroke, and a surge in vector-borne diseases. Families end up spending money on medical treatments, as public health facilities are strained. So while families from the informal sector are earning less during rising heat, they are forced to spend more on health and other utilities, dealing them a double blow.

The European heatwave has sent alarm bells ringing for the world. India has been battling extreme heat conditions, with research earlier showing that 95% of the world's hottest countries are in India. Here is how global warming impacts India economically.&nbsp;

Analysis: Economic toll of heatwaves and droughts on India amid Europe heatwave

Europe is in the grips of a heatwave, with temperatures climbing to almost 41 degrees Celsius in some parts. France experienced its hottest day ever since records started in 1947, with more than half the country under a red heat alert. Spain reached its highest daily average since 1950, and UK is also witnessing record heat for June. The historic and deadly heatwave across Western and Central Europe is being driven by a powerful meteorological phenomenon known as an "Omega Block". It is a weather pattern which creates a massive, stationary heat dome with intensely hot air trapped over the continent.&nbsp;A new study has found that the economic effects of extreme heat combined with drought are huge and a major trigger for the rise of poverty. An analysis by Climate Analytics shows average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. The regions hit hardest witness an even bigger reduction. The study reveals that the rising global temperatures will lead to income inequality and increase the risk of poverty for millions of people. The researcher focuses specifically on Europe, although a similar impact is expected globally, especially in the most vulnerable countries. It was published in Global Environmental Change as part of the ACCREU project.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-its-hottest-june-day-beating-1957-and-1976-highs-who-warns-of-risk-to-lives-1782322982631">UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives</a>&nbsp;<h2>Global warming and climate change</h2>Global temperatures are rising, and an increase of 2.7°C by 2100 will cause the average European household income to fall by 27 per cent. If humans are able to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as per the Paris Agreement commitment, it would fall to 7 per cent. In the former scenario, 127 million in Europe will be at risk of poverty, with the figure dropping to 60 million in a 1.5 degrees Celsius world.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/killer-omega-heatwave-grips-europe-1782322956190/embed<h2>Combined effects of heatwave and droughts much larger</h2>Lead author of the study, Jessie Schleypen, says that the heatwave has affected “people’s health, livelihoods and ability to work.” The Senior Climate Change and Development Economist at Climate Analytics adds, “Where extreme heat coincides with drought, the damage can be much greater." The compound events "amplify economic losses experienced directly by European households, and they will become more frequent as global warming increases.”<h2>Reduction in household income due to heatwave and droughts</h2>The study analyses data from 2004 to 2022 and finds that heatwaves and droughts individually have a lesser impact than when they occur together. “On average, a heatwave in Europe will reduce household incomes by 0.7% and droughts by 1.8%. When they occur together – particularly in drought-stricken regions – the average income loss rises to nearly 3%,” the study states. The conditions worsen workers' health, reducing labour productivity and affecting crops, which causes a dip in food production. Critical services linked to water, such as transport and energy generation, also take a massive hit.&nbsp;The poorest will be at the greatest loss due to the economic inequalities caused by the events. “The poorest 20% will be affected the most, with incomes dropping 2% more than the rest of the population (4% vs 1.1-1.8%), further widening income inequality,” Schleypen says. In a 2.7 degrees Celsius world, Greece, Spain, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus will likely be among the most affected countries.

Climate change, marked by heatwaves and droughts, can lead to over 100 million Europeans being defined as poor by the year 2100. A study has shown the drastic economic effects of the increasing temperatures when Europe is battling a deadly heatwave.

Europe is in the grips of a heatwave, with temperatures climbing to almost 41 degrees Celsius in some parts. France experienced its hottest day ever since records started in 1947, with more than half the country under a red heat alert. Spain reached its highest daily average since 1950, and UK is also witnessing record heat for June. The historic and deadly heatwave across Western and Central Europe is being driven by a powerful meteorological phenomenon known as an "Omega Block". It is a weather pattern which creates a massive, stationary heat dome with intensely hot air trapped over the continent. A new study has found that the economic effects of extreme heat combined with drought are huge and a major trigger for the rise of poverty. An analysis by Climate Analytics shows average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. The regions hit hardest witness an even bigger reduction. The study reveals that the rising global temperatures will lead to income inequality and increase the risk of poverty for millions of people. The researcher focuses specifically on Europe, although a similar impact is expected globally, especially in the most vulnerable countries. It was published in Global Environmental Change as part of the ACCREU project. Also Read: UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives Global warming and climate change Global temperatures are rising, and an increase of 2.7°C by 2100 will cause the average European household income to fall by 27 per cent. If humans are able to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as per the Paris Agreement commitment, it would fall to 7 per cent. In the former scenario, 127 million in Europe will be at risk of poverty, with the figure dropping to 60 million in a 1.5 degrees Celsius world. https://www.wionews.com/videos/killer-omega-heatwave-grips-europe-1782322956190/embed Combined effects of heatwave and droughts much larger Lead author of the study, Jessie Schleypen, says that the heatwave has affected “people’s health, livelihoods and ability to work.” The Senior Climate Change and Development Economist at Climate Analytics adds, “Where extreme heat coincides with drought, the damage can be much greater." The compound events "amplify economic losses experienced directly by European households, and they will become more frequent as global warming increases.” Reduction in household income due to heatwave and droughts The study analyses data from 2004 to 2022 and finds that heatwaves and droughts individually have a lesser impact than when they occur together. “On average, a heatwave in Europe will reduce household incomes by 0.7% and droughts by 1.8%. When they occur together – particularly in drought-stricken regions – the average income loss rises to nearly 3%,” the study states. The conditions worsen workers' health, reducing labour productivity and affecting crops, which causes a dip in food production. Critical services linked to water, such as transport and energy generation, also take a massive hit. The poorest will be at the greatest loss due to the economic inequalities caused by the events. “The poorest 20% will be affected the most, with incomes dropping 2% more than the rest of the population (4% vs 1.1-1.8%), further widening income inequality,” Schleypen says. In a 2.7 degrees Celsius world, Greece, Spain, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus will likely be among the most affected countries.

Climate change, marked by heatwaves and droughts, can lead to over 100 million Europeans being defined as poor by the year 2100. A study has shown the drastic economic effects of the increasing temperatures when Europe is battling a deadly heatwave.

Europe's heatwaves threaten to push 127 million into poverty by 2100, study finds

A historic and deadly early-season heatwave has shattered temperature records across Europe, leading to multiple fatalities in the United Kingdom and France. UK temperatures have smashed century-old records, and according to Britain’s Met Office, temperatures have reached unprecedented heights on Tuesday (May 26). A provisional reading of 35°C (95°F) was recorded at London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport. This milestone surpassed the previous day's record of 34.8°C (94.6°F) at Kew and completely obliterated the country's long-standing historical highs. The previous record of 32.8°C (91.4°F), originally set in 1922 and matched in 1944, had stood for over a century before being smashed during this extreme weather event.&nbsp;The sudden and intense spike in temperature has led to a series of fatal accidents as people sought relief from the blistering heat. As reported by news agency AFP, local police and municipal authorities confirmed that four teenagers have drowned in lakes and reservoirs across England since Sunday.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-india-has-moved-from-the-backseat-to-the-front-seat-norwegian-climate-expert-erik-solheim-on-the-renewable-energy-boom-at-wion-world-pulse-1773831696028">‘India has moved from the backseat to the front seat’: Norwegian Climate Expert Erik Solheim on the renewable energy boom at WION World Pulse</a>&nbsp;The crisis extended across the English Channel into mainland Europe. According to a report by news agency Reuters, French Junior Energy Minister Maud Bregeon confirmed on Tuesday (May 25) that seven people have died in France from causes directly or indirectly related to the extreme heat. The fatalities occurred immediately following a declaration by France's national weather service that the country had just experienced the hottest May day in its recorded history.

A historic "heat dome" has shattered May temperature records across France, Spain, and the UK, claiming lives and triggering emergency red health alerts.

A historic and deadly early-season heatwave has shattered temperature records across Europe, leading to multiple fatalities in the United Kingdom and France. UK temperatures have smashed century-old records, and according to Britain’s Met Office, temperatures have reached unprecedented heights on Tuesday (May 26). A provisional reading of 35°C (95°F) was recorded at London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport. This milestone surpassed the previous day's record of 34.8°C (94.6°F) at Kew and completely obliterated the country's long-standing historical highs. The previous record of 32.8°C (91.4°F), originally set in 1922 and matched in 1944, had stood for over a century before being smashed during this extreme weather event. The sudden and intense spike in temperature has led to a series of fatal accidents as people sought relief from the blistering heat. As reported by news agency AFP, local police and municipal authorities confirmed that four teenagers have drowned in lakes and reservoirs across England since Sunday. Also read: ‘India has moved from the backseat to the front seat’: Norwegian Climate Expert Erik Solheim on the renewable energy boom at WION World Pulse The crisis extended across the English Channel into mainland Europe. According to a report by news agency Reuters, French Junior Energy Minister Maud Bregeon confirmed on Tuesday (May 25) that seven people have died in France from causes directly or indirectly related to the extreme heat. The fatalities occurred immediately following a declaration by France's national weather service that the country had just experienced the hottest May day in its recorded history.

A historic "heat dome" has shattered May temperature records across France, Spain, and the UK, claiming lives and triggering emergency red health alerts.

Record-breaking heatwave across Europe claims lives