Extreme heat: is the UK becoming a 40C country? – podcast

The UK is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave, with forecasters warning that temperatures could soar to 40C (104F) in some regions, prompting a rare red weather warning. This extreme heat isn't just affecting the UK but sweeping across Europe, leading to school closures, train cancellations, and unusual restrictions like France's ban on outdoor alcohol sales to ease the strain on emergency services. The heatwave coincides with the powerful El Niño phenomenon, potentially exacerbating global weather patterns. This situation underscores the urgent need to address climate change and its increasing impact on everyday life.