Last week’s heatwave across western Europe shattered national June records and set new all-time highs.
The UK recorded a provisional high of 37.7C at Lingwood in Norfolk on Friday 27 June, smashing the previous June record of 35.6C, set in 1976. Such a margin is exceptionally rare: temperature records are typically broken by 0.1C or 0.2C, not a remarkable 2.1C.
Germany reached 41.7C in Coschen on 28 of June, breaking its all-time record for a third consecutive day. The Netherlands set a new June record with 39.4C on 26 June, while Hungary recorded an all-time high of 42C in Szécsény on 30 June.
Alongside the daytime extremes, much of Europe experienced widespread tropical nights, when overnight temperatures do not fall below 20C. The highest minimum temperature recorded during this period was 29.4C in East Saxony, Germany. France also endured several days above 40C, forcing some nuclear power plants shutting down.
This week, north-western China is experiencing similarly hot conditions. Temperatures reached 45C on Monday and 47C on Tuesday, with the heatwave expected to continue until 7 July. Extreme heat warnings have been issued in the Yuli and Ruoqiang regions, where temperatures are expected to exceed 45C all week. Parts of Ruoqiang, Qiemo, Korla, Luntai and the Yanqi Basin are expected to top 40C.
The heatwave is being driven by a persistent high-pressure system over the continent, which is drawing in hot, dry air while blocking cooler air masses. In such an arid region, the lack of soil moisture limits evaporative cooling, causing the ground and air to heat even more rapidly.
Authorities have urged residents and businesses to avoid outdoor manual work during the hottest parts of the day, protect elderly and vulnerable people, and take extra precautions against wildfires.
Road surface temperatures are forecast to exceed 60C, increasing the risk of asphalt deformation and disruption on highways. Such temperatures heighten the likelihood of breakdowns and cargo spoilages. Railways have also introduced speed restrictions because of high track temperatures.