Europe swelters under deadly ‘Omega’ heatwave

An intense heatwave, referred to as an 'Omega' heatwave, has gripped Western Europe, leading to dozens of fatalities and widespread disruption. Forecasters warn that these extreme temperatures could persist through the end of the week.

Britain registered its highest temperature for June on Wednesday, reaching 35.8 degrees Celsius in the south of England. Meanwhile, France experienced its hottest day in almost 80 years, with temperatures peaking at 44.3 degrees Celsius in the southwestern town of Pissos on Tuesday. The extreme heat has forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, and has also impacted power supplies.

Tragically, the heatwave has led to a surge in drowning incidents. Authorities in France reported at least 48 deaths by drowning since the heatwave began, as individuals attempted to cool off in bodies of water. In a separate incident, two young children died from heat exposure while trapped in a car.