Climate Change
Salamis island fires leave two dead and prompt evacuations
Two separate fires broke out on the Greek island of Salamis on Sunday, resulting in two fatalities and triggering emergency evacuations by land and sea.
Wildfires grip Europe as heat dries forests, strains firefighters
Intense heat waves and tinder-dry conditions have sparked severe wildfires across multiple European countries, forcing urgent evacuations and straining emergency services.
Rightmove says UK home searches with air‑conditioning double amid heatwave
Rightmove reports a 104% surge in UK home searches for air-conditioning during a major heatwave as climate-driven discomfort reshapes property priorities.
England faces extreme heat as temperatures hit 38.1C in hottest day of 2026
England faces severe disruption as temperatures hit 38.1C at Kew Gardens, prompting expanded amber heat warnings, travel delays, and wildfires.
Europe warming twice as fast as other continents amid deadly heatwaves
Europe is heating up at twice the rate of any other continent, driving a historic surge in temperatures that has left tens of thousands dead this summer. Scientists explain that Europe's vulnerability stems from four specific factors.
Wildfires continue to rage as Europe swelters under extreme heat
Severe wildfires driven by extreme heatwaves continue to ravage regions across Europe, triggering evacuations and straining energy and retail sectors.
Met Éireann predicts dry sunny weekend as Italy issues red heat alert
While Ireland enjoys dry weather and mild temperatures through the weekend, much of southern Europe faces a blistering heat wave with Italy placing all 27 major cities under red alert.
Seoul records hottest August day, outpacing Tokyo, Taipei and Bangkok
Seoul logged a daytime high of 36.7 °C on August 5, topping Tokyo, Taipei, and Bangkok during a severe seasonal heat wave.
Scientists warn 2026 could become hottest year as El Niño strengthens
Climate scientists warn that 2026 faces a rapidly rising probability of eclipsing 2024 as the hottest year as an intensifying El Niño builds upon record ocean heat.
UK water supply faces 5bn‑litre daily shortfall by 2055 unless action taken
Britain's water utilities warn of a five billion-litre daily water shortfall by 2055 unless sweeping conservation measures are taken.
Tama Zoological Park lions die of suspected heatstroke amid heat wave
Three female lions have died at Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo following a severe heat wave, prompting medical interventions and a zoo closure.
South Korea records its highest-ever temperature of 42.5C amid historic heatwave
South Korea recorded its highest temperature in modern observation history, reaching 42.5C in Yangsan amid a severe heatwave that forced emergency alerts.
France firefighters contain 42,000-hectare megafire near Bordeaux
Exhausted emergency crews have contained a catastrophic 42,000-hectare megafire near Bordeaux that forced the evacuation of 200,000 people.
UN, scientists warn that strong El Nino will add fuel to ‘a planet already on fire’
The United Nations and climate scientists warn that an intensifying El Nino cycle is driving unprecedented global weather shifts and extreme heat.
France orders 4,000 extra evacuations as Gironde blaze forces 220,000 out
French authorities have ordered 4,000 additional evacuations along the Gironde peninsula as firefighting crews struggle to contain a historic 42,000-hectare blaze.
Wildfires: More than 200,000 people flee or lock down as blazes sweep France and Spain
Fast-moving wildfires driven by extreme heat and drought have forced over 200,000 people to evacuate or lock down across France and Spain.
Blazes merge outside Madrid as tens of thousands flee fires in France
France and Spain have declared emergency measures as uncontrollable wildfires force mass evacuations across tourist hotspots and residential areas. Authorities are now calling for international aid to combat the rapidly spreading blazes.
France evacuates over 20,000 as fast‑moving wildfire nears Bordeaux
A large forest fire near Bordeaux forced over 20,000 people to evacuate as firefighters worked to contain the blaze amid strong winds and high temperatures. No casualties have been reported following the fire, which officials believe may have been started by a machine.
Wildfire spreads near popular French tourist town as thousands are evacuated
A rapidly spreading wildfire in the Gironde department has necessitated the evacuation of more than 10,000 people from coastal towns and resorts.
France recorded 5,764 excess deaths during its historic June heat wave
France’s public-health agency confirmed a 36% rise in mortality during a late-June heat wave that surpassed the toll of the previous summer. Officials are now calling for stronger heat-risk strategies as extreme temperatures impact the nation.