Heatwave grips Europe: Eiffel Tower closed, UK trains canceled

Europe is grappling with unprecedented heatwaves, shattering temperature records and disrupting daily life across the continent. France endured its hottest night in history on Monday, with temperatures in some cities soaring above 40°C. The national meteorological service, Meteo France, confirmed the record-breaking night, which followed a day of extreme heat.

In response to the dangerous conditions, France has placed 54 of its departments, more than half of the mainland, under the highest weather alert. Paris has seen the Eiffel Tower closed to visitors due to the heat, and the Louvre Museum announced earlier closing times. The United Kingdom is also severely affected, with temperatures exceeding 30°C in London. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked at the London Climate Action Week, "London is boiling," warning that the climate crisis is pushing global temperatures higher and closer to catastrophic tipping points.

The extreme heat has crippled the UK's rail network, leading to numerous cancellations and urgent appeals for passengers to travel only if absolutely necessary. The Met Office has issued a red warning for extreme heat, anticipating temperatures to reach at least 39°C. Spain is bracing for highs of up to 44°C in Andalusia and 40°C in northern regions. Belgium saw a primary school in Tervuren relocate final exams to a nearby church due to the heat. Sweden anticipates temperatures between 30-35°C, exacerbating existing water shortages. Germany is preparing for temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C, which could break the June record of 39.6°C set in 2019. Italy is also under high alert, with the number of cities affected by extreme temperature warnings set to increase.

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London is boiling. The climate crisis is pushing us ever deeper into higher temperatures and closer to catastrophic tipping points, and the energy crisis is exposing the madness of a world dependent on hydrocarbons.