Climate sceptics cheering as they melt in record temperatures? This heatwave is where satire has come to die | Jonathan Freedland

The United Kingdom experienced unprecedented heatwave conditions this week, with temperature records being shattered across the country. For the first time, the Met Office issued red warnings for extreme heat for three consecutive days, a level of alert typically reserved for severe weather events. This intense heat led to the closure of schools and sleepless nights, with temperatures reaching levels that meet the technical definition of "tropical." The extreme weather also contributed to significant wildfires, including one that ripped through moorland close to Greater Manchester. These events occurred in a temperate country during June, highlighting the severity of the heatwave. The article draws a parallel to the film "Don't Look Up," suggesting that reality is now mirroring the movie's depiction of a world ignoring imminent planetary disaster. Even attendees at an "anti-woke" conference, who had previously disparaged net zero policies, were unable to ignore the physical effects of the heat, such as sweat on their foreheads.