heatwaves
Coverage of heatwaves in the Nexus archive.
- Burnham to hold emergency Cobra meeting in response to heatwaves
Burnham plans to hold an emergency Cobra meeting in response to heatwaves. This action follows the Prime minister’s move amid several areas of the UK that are currently tackling both wildfires and drought due to extreme high temperatures.
- As Spain grieves, recurrent heatwaves stir fears of more wildfires
Spain is experiencing grief following recent forest fires that caused over a dozen deaths. Residents and experts are working to prevent further tragedies amid concerns about recurring heatwaves and wildfires.
- Factcheck: How nuclear, gas, wind and solar power are affected during heatwaves
Heatwaves impact power generation sources like nuclear, gas, wind, and solar, with France's nuclear reactors shutting down during a 2026 heatwave. Extreme heat reduces nuclear efficiency due to cooling challenges, lowers gas plant efficiency, and decreases wind speeds, while increased electricity demand strains networks.
- Heatwaves and wildfires threaten France's deficit reduction goals
Heatwaves and wildfires are threatening France's deficit reduction goals. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu attended the Assemblée Nationale in Paris on July 7, 2026.
- Average subsidence insurance claim spikes to £20,000... as heatwaves mean more are at risk
Average subsidence insurance claims have risen to £20,000 as heatwaves increase the risk of subsidence. The spike highlights growing concerns over climate-related property damage.
- Dangerous summers: How heatwaves and wildfires change life across Europe
Climate change is causing hotter summers in Europe, leading to intensified heatwaves, wildfires, and droughts. These extreme weather events threaten both human lives and economic stability across the continent.
- 'Since 2026, summer has lost all lightness. Something has changed, summer has been stolen from us'
France is enduring relentless heatwaves and devastating wildfires, causing a shift in the perception of summer. Novelist Serge Joncour notes that summer has lost its former meaning since 2026.
- July set to be driest on record for England and Wales after relentless heatwaves
July is set to be the driest month on record for England and Wales, with southern England receiving just 1% of its long-term average rainfall. Half of England and all of Wales are officially in drought as extreme heat linked to the climate crisis has fueled wildfires and water shortages for farmers, wildlife, and habitats.
- More women die in heatwaves, but biology 'isn't main cause'
More women die in heatwaves compared to men globally, but researchers attribute this disparity to factors like age, working conditions, and unequal access to rest rather than biological causes.
- France's largest wildfire in decades now 'under control', interior minister says
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that France's largest wildfire since 1949 is 'under control' after more than a week of burning in the Gironde department near Bordeaux. The fire is part of ongoing wildfires linked to deadly heatwaves, which scientists connect to human-made climate change.
- This common 'heatwave mistake' could harm your health as temperatures soar over 95 degrees this weekend
The CDC warns that using electric fans in extreme heat can increase body temperature, posing health risks as temperatures exceed 95 degrees. The article highlights the importance of understanding safe temperature limits and adopting expert-recommended strategies to stay cool during heatwaves.
- France’s wildfires: Famous Bordeaux wine region at risk
France's largest wine region in Bordeaux is at risk due to wildfires, highlighting climate challenges such as severe drought and heatwaves. The situation is reported by FRANCE 24's Gabrielle Nadler.
- Is district cooling the solution we need for extreme heat in cities?
District cooling systems, which use networks of chilled water pipes, have demonstrated efficiency in cooling hospitals and universities. These systems are now expanding into cities in response to increasing heatwaves in the US and Europe.
- Excess deaths caused by heatwaves in England ‘almost double’ so far this year
The UK Health Security Agency reports 2,877 heat-associated deaths in England during May and June this year, nearly double the number from the UK heatwaves in June to August 2025. This marks a significant increase in excess deaths caused by heatwaves compared to the previous year.
- Tesco and Sainsbury's sound alarm over food supplies after heatwaves and wildfires in Europe
Tesco and Sainsbury's have raised concerns about potential disruptions to food supplies following heatwaves and wildfires in Europe. The companies warned of possible impacts on grocery availability and pricing due to extreme weather events.
- How a $150 handheld fan became Europe's hottest status symbol
SharkNinja's $149.99 ChillPill handheld fan has become a status symbol in Europe due to record-breaking heatwaves and limited air conditioning in buildings. The bladeless fan, featuring a water mister and cooling plate, saw surging demand across the UK, France, and Germany as portable fans outpaced air conditioning orders in six major European markets.
- ‘Explosive demand’ for cooling continues as Europe swelters, China’s Midea says
Chinese home appliance maker Midea reported surging European demand for its air conditioners due to recurring heatwaves, with two factories in Wuhu and Guangzhou receiving 200,000 new orders in a month.
- Half of England declared in drought after heatwaves
Half of England has been declared in drought following heatwaves, marking the second summer drought in two years. The Environment Agency has labeled the situation 'exceptionally serious'.
- Hotter summers may force RHS to move hydrangeas to north of England
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reports that hotter summers and heatwaves are threatening hydrangeas in southern England, prompting consideration of relocating them to the north. Hydrangeas, a popular British garden plant, are struggling due to the country's increasingly warm climate.
- Bad news for Bordeaux: France's celebrated wine industry faces wake-up call over wildfires
France's largest wine region, Bordeaux, is facing wildfires and climate challenges from severe drought and heatwaves. Vineyards lack sufficient water for irrigation, risking vine shutdown and shriveled grapes if rain doesn't come soon.
- It’s time to prosecute climate crimes – with laws that already exist | Aaron Regunberg
The article argues for prosecuting climate crimes using existing laws, referencing Nuremberg-style trials for big oil companies. It highlights the impact of record-breaking wildfires and heatwaves, which have led to unsafe conditions and disrupted family plans, including canceled Fourth of July events.
- Tourists evacuated from wildfire threat as France and Spain brace for new heatwaves
Tourists were evacuated from areas threatened by wildfires as France and Spain prepare for new heatwaves. Firefighters are making progress on major blazes that have forced hundreds of thousands to flee.
- Europe’s employers face a new challenge—keeping workers safe during heatwaves
Europe is experiencing rapid warming, with temperatures rising twice as fast as the global average since the 1990s. Extreme heat is causing significant health risks, productivity losses, and economic costs for businesses, as European companies are underprepared for increasing heatwaves and a predicted 'very strong' super El Niño event.
- Weather tracker: Why Europe’s wildfires are proving so fierce and difficult to stop
Wind and record-breaking heat are driving severe wildfires in Europe, with Spain and France being the hardest hit. Human activity is responsible for 90% of the fires, exacerbated by drought conditions that have dried vegetation into tinder.
- More than 360,000 evacuated as wildfires rage in France and Spain
More than 360,000 people have been evacuated due to wildfires in France and Spain. French and Spanish authorities are struggling to contain the fires, which are partly attributed to successive heatwaves.
- More than 300,000 displaced in France and Spain as wildfires rage
Over 300,000 people have been displaced in France and Spain due to wildfires. The fires are linked to prolonged heatwaves since May that caused drought in many areas.
- More than 300,000 displaced in France and Spain as wildfires rage
Over 300,000 people have been displaced in France and Spain due to wildfires. The region has experienced successive heatwaves since May, leading to drought in many areas.
- Spain struggles to contain wildfires: 60,000 evacuated around Madrid
Spain has evacuated 60,000 people from villages west of Madrid due to wildfires exacerbated by heatwaves and strong winds. Extremely dry conditions have worsened the situation in the area.
- Morocco faces repeated heatwaves and fears water shortages
Morocco is experiencing repeated heatwaves and concerns over water shortages. An argan tree near Essaouira, Morocco, is shown affected by drought.
- Wildfires in France and Spain force 200,000 to flee
Wildfires in France and Spain have forced 200,000 people to flee as fires spread rapidly due to tinderbox conditions worsened by successive heatwaves.
- Who pays when overheated roads melt and rails buckle?
Heatwaves cause lasting and costly damage to infrastructure such as roads and rails, with increasing frequency and intensity. They also lead to health risks, including deaths among those without air conditioning, and ignite severe forest fires.
- Climatologist warms of heatwaves, wildfires and rising risks in Europe
Jean-Pascal Van Ypersele, a climatologist and environmental sciences professor at UCLouvain, warns of heatwaves, wildfires, and rising risks in Europe.
- How heatwaves could change UK hotels: As temperatures rise, air conditioning is an 'essential' for guests - but should we just 'embrace the summer'?
Heatwaves may require UK hotels to adopt air conditioning as an essential guest amenity, despite debates over whether to 'embrace the summer.' The article highlights the tension between adapting to rising temperatures and maintaining traditional summer experiences.
- Almost 75% of England’s riverbanks ‘off limits’ to public, figures show
Almost 75% of England’s riverbanks are inaccessible to the public, according to data from the Right to Roam campaign. Campaigners are urging the government to establish a right of access to rivers, especially as heatwaves become more frequent. The restriction applies to most river catchments from Cornwall to the Tweed.
- Everything you need to know about the hosepipe ban
The hosepipe ban has been implemented to address high water demand during heatwaves and dry weather. It aims to conserve water resources amid extreme weather conditions.
- Europe's heatwaves spark continent-wide drought
Europe's climate-change-driven heatwaves have triggered a continent-wide drought, with major rivers like the Rhine and Danube experiencing record-low water levels. High temperatures, not low rainfall, are the primary cause, impacting shipping, agriculture, and hydropower, while some countries have restricted non-essential water use.
- Thousands of tourists forced to evacuate as fire rages in southwest France
Thousands of tourists were evacuated in southwest France as a wildfire in Le Porge raged, with hundreds of firefighters deployed. The fire, which started midday Wednesday, is part of increased wildfires fueled by three heatwaves since May in France.
- 'Unprecedented': France records 5,764 excess deaths during June-July heatwave period
France recorded 5,764 excess deaths between June 17 and July 2, according to health authorities. The increase in mortality coincided with extreme heatwaves in several French regions, though officials attributed the deaths to 'all causes'.
- WhatsApp weather alerts for people in Telangana villages under IMD’s Mission Mausam
WhatsApp is being used to send critical weather alerts, including heavy rain, heatwaves, and lightning, to villages in Telangana under the India Meteorological Department's Mission Mausam. The initiative aims to deliver information faster to help residents prepare for weather events.
- Thames Water announces hosepipe ban for 10million customers - including all of London - as it becomes sixth firm to bring in restrictions after record-breaking heatwaves
Thames Water has imposed a hosepipe ban for 10 million customers, including all of London, becoming the sixth firm to introduce restrictions following record-breaking heatwaves.