Temperature records have been broken all over NW Europe.
Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium have recorded all-time national temperature highs for the second day running and Paris has had its hottest day ever as the second dangerous heatwave of the summer sears western Europe.
The extreme temperatures follow a similar heatwave last month that made it the hottest June on record. Scientists say the climate crisis is making summer heatwaves five times more likely and significantly more intense.
The UK had it’s second highest day and hottest July day on record, although this may be revised.
The heat has caused severe travel disruption. Trains are having to run slowly to avoid possibly buckling rails. The overhead wires have sagged so much that they are being damaged. The weather in Britain has also affected air transport and thunderstorms associated with the heat have grounded planes.
The problems have continued today, the busiest day for air traffic as the schools’ holidays started today. In addition to the weather problems, there have been additional delays and cancellations cause by the air traffic control system for London airports breaking down.
The (previous?) record temperature in the UK was in August and this fits in with the normal pattern of temperatures rising into August as the land heats up. If this pattern is followed this year, we can expect further new record temperatures.