United News of Bangladesh

An unusually early heat wave has swept across parts of Western Europe, breaking long-standing temperature records and causing several deaths, officials said. In the United Kingdom, temperatures crossed 35 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, setting a new record for this time of year for the second day in a row. According to the Met Office, 35.1°C was recorded at London’s Kew Gardens, surpassing both Monday’s record and a century-old high set in 1922. London also experienced a rare “tropical night,” where temperatures stayed above 20°C. France has also been hit by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C in the southwest and remaining above 20°C overnight in many areas. The country’s weather agency said a “heat dome” — a high-pressure system trapping hot air — is pushing temperatures more than 10°C above normal for this time of year. Experts say such extreme and unpredictable weather events are becoming more common due to climate change. They warn that rising global temperatures are making heat waves more frequent and intense, even in seasons when they are not usually expected. After a long weekend, many people in the UK crowded beaches and parks to cool down, while commuters struggled in overheated trains and subways without air conditioning. Some train services were disrupted due to heat-related issues. Emergency services also responded to wildfires in parts of Scotland, where a large grass fire broke out near Edinburgh. Health authorities in the UK have issued an amber alert, warning of possible health risks, especially for older people. Since many homes and public places in the country lack air conditioning, the heat has become particularly challenging. At least five people, including teenagers, have died in the UK in suspected drowning incidents as they tried to cool off in lakes and reservoirs. In France, officials reported at least seven deaths linked to the heat, including several drownings and fatalities during sports activities. The risks have increased as the heat wave arrived before lifeguards were deployed at many beaches. Authorities have urged people to be cautious, especially along the Atlantic coast, where strong currents have already led to multiple rescue incidents. The heat has also spread to Spain, where temperatures in some areas have reached up to 38°C  levels usually seen in mid-summer. Weather officials say temperatures across the region are 5 to 10°C higher than normal. In Italy, Rome is also experiencing rising temperatures, with highs expected to reach around 32°C. Officials across Europe are continuing to warn people to stay safe as the unusual heat wave continues.