UK and France Sizzle as Heatwave Continues to Grip Europe

The UK Met Office has issued a rare red heat alert for south-east England, warning of extreme temperatures until Friday evening. This is the first time such a warning has been extended for three consecutive days, covering areas including London, Oxfordshire, and Kent. Meanwhile, amber heat warnings are in place for a wider region, with thunderstorms expected to hit parts of Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on Friday. Temperatures soared to 31.2C in Dumfries and Galloway on Thursday, but a dramatic change in weather is expected as rain sweeps in from the north-west. In Scotland, flood alerts have been issued for almost every region, with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency bracing for heavy rainfall. Across the Channel, France is struggling to cope with the heatwave, with at least 48 deaths from drowning reported since the start of the hot spell. Paris has introduced a ban on drinking alcohol in public at certain times of the day, while takeaway alcohol sales are also prohibited. The London Ambulance Service reported its highest number of life-threatening emergencies on Wednesday, with a 50% increase in calls compared to a typical June day. As the heatwave shows no signs of abating, European countries including Germany, Austria, Italy, and Czechia are preparing for further temperature rises. With the World Cup underway, authorities are urging football fans to drink responsibly and stay hydrated, as the mercury continues to rise.