Heatwave Sweeps Across the Globe

LONDON – Parts of Europe and India are already experiencing this summer’s heatwave, with several countries issuing heat alerts. There have been reports of drowning incidents in the UK and France as more people seek relief from the heat. London recorded ‘tropical nights’ where temperatures did not drop below 20°C overnight. The UK’s Met Office warned temperatures in the south could reach 35°C by midweek. On Monday (25 May 2026), the UK recorded its hottest May day ever at 35.8°C in London’s Kew Gardens. This surpassed previous records of 32.8°C set in 1922 and 1944. France also saw record highs of 36°C on Monday, though some regions experienced nights below 20°C. France’s Meteo-France attributed the extreme temperatures to a ‘heat dome’—a high-pressure system trapping heat over a region—causing temperatures to surge up to 10°C above normal. Experts say global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather, including heatwaves. They warn that unprecedented and deadly conditions, occurring at unusual times and locations, pose greater risks to more people. Heatwaves not only threaten health but also drive people to take extreme measures to cool down. UK police reported a 13-year-old boy drowned in a reservoir in Halifax on Monday. French police spokesperson Maud Bregeon reported seven heat-related deaths, including five drowning incidents and two during sporting events. Heatwaves are not confined to Europe. In New Delhi, India, streets and markets were eerily quiet last week, with many vendors opting to sell at night to avoid the scorching heat. India’s meteorological department warned the heatwave would persist for several days in some areas, with temperatures above seasonal averages. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours and take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Last week, India reported heatwave temperatures exceeding 40°C in low-lying areas and 30°C in higher elevations.