Emergency crews fought a grass blaze in Edinburgh while temperature records fell across Western Europe as an unseasonably intense heat wave swept through the region, prompting government health warnings.
The British capital experienced an unusual “tropical night” where temperatures stayed above 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit), with weather officials predicting southern England could see temperatures reach 35 C (95 F) on Tuesday.
Tragedy struck when a 13-year-old boy lost his life after encountering trouble in a reservoir in Halifax, northern England, on Monday, according to police reports.
Across the channel in France, May temperature records have been shattered as readings climbed well above 30 C (86 F) throughout much of the nation.
Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon reported at least seven deaths potentially connected to the extreme heat, including five drowning incidents and two fatalities during athletic events.
The United Kingdom set a new May temperature record on Monday when thermometers hit 34.8 C at Kew Gardens in London, crushing the previous mark of 32.8 C (91.4 F) established in 1922 and 1944.
Following a holiday weekend that drew crowds to coastlines, swimming areas and shaded green spaces, London travelers endured sweltering conditions Tuesday in subway cars without air conditioning. Rail service to and from the capital’s major Waterloo hub faced delays due to reports of smoke on railway lines.
Emergency responders worked overnight to extinguish flames that created massive smoke clouds rising from Arthur’s Seat, the prominent rocky formation overlooking Edinburgh.
Health officials issued an amber warning for most of the country lasting through Wednesday morning, cautioning about potential health dangers, especially for older residents, during peak heat hours. Since moderate climates are typical for the region, many residences, educational facilities and workplaces lack cooling systems.
The unseasonable heat wave arrived before the summer period when trained lifeguards typically monitor swimmers at busy coastal areas, creating additional safety concerns.
Along France’s Atlantic coastline, where beautiful beaches also feature dangerous currents, authorities documented numerous water emergencies including two drowning fatalities on Sunday at well-known vacation spots in the southwestern Gironde area.
The region’s top administrator, Sophie Brocas, called on beach visitors “to exercise the utmost caution.”
Unpredictable and severe weather patterns are occurring more often as global temperatures continue rising. Climate specialists warn that unprecedented and dangerous weather events that sometimes occur during unusual seasons and in unexpected locations are placing more people at risk.
