Europe heatwave live: UK issues rare red temperature warnings; French PM to hold crisis meeting after heat deaths

Europe experienced a severe heatwave starting around June 22, 2026, with the United Kingdom issuing rare red temperature warnings. Temperatures were forecast to reach 38-40C in parts of England and Wales, potentially breaking the June record of 35.6C set in 1976. France reported 19 heat-related deaths and its Prime Minister was scheduled to hold a crisis meeting. The extreme heat also contributed to tragic incidents, including two children found dead in a car in France. This heatwave underscores a broader trend, as a study released during this period indicated that the number of people exposed to dangerous heat stress worldwide has risen sharply over the last half century, largely driven by climate change. This increase translates to approximately one billion more people experiencing some level of extreme heat stress now compared to the 1970s, highlighting heat stress as a significant weather-related cause of mortality.