Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Europe is experiencing an intense heatwave that has broken temperature records across the continent, according to the UN weather agency. France saw its hottest day on record on 24 June, with an average national temperature of 30.0°C, surpassing previous highs from July 2019 and August 2003. In Pulluau, temperatures reached 43.8°C, and overnight temperatures also set new national records. Authorities issued top-level red alerts for a record 58 departments amid increased forest fire risks linked to drought conditions. These extreme temperatures have contributed to 40 reported drowning deaths in France, highlighting the heat's secondary dangers. Neighboring Spain saw its hottest June days on 23 and 24 June, with many locations exceeding 40°C. The UK's Met Office issued a red extreme heat warning for 24 and 25 June, with a provisional high of 36.1°C in Gosport, southern England. Germany and Switzerland also declared widespread red alerts in major cities. UN climate chief Simon Stiell said the heatwave has "the fingerprints of the climate crisis all over it," stressing that extreme heat will worsen without urgent cuts in fossil fuel use. The heatwave is expected to persist across parts of western, central, and southern Europe over two weeks, with temperatures 3°C to 10°C above average and daily highs over 35°C, with some areas exceeding 40°C. "Tropical nights," where temperatures remain above 20°C, are likely, increasing risks of heat stress, forest fires, and strong thunderstorms in several regions.