Extreme heat: is the UK becoming a 40C country? – podcast
The UK's Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for England, with temperatures potentially reaching 40C. Europe is also experiencing a severe heatwave, leading to school closures, train cancellations, and outdoor alcohol consumption restrictions in France to ease pressure on emergency services.

Briefing Summary
AI-generatedThe UK's Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for England, with temperatures potentially reaching 40C. Europe is also experiencing a severe heatwave, leading to school closures, train cancellations, and outdoor alcohol consumption restrictions in France to ease pressure on emergency services. These extreme temperatures coincide with the anticipated arrival of El Niño, which some scientists have dubbed "Godzilla" due to its predicted intensity. Europe climate correspondent Ajit Niranjan discusses the reasons behind the heat, the possibility of worsening conditions, and strategies for staying cool.
Article analysis
Model · rule-basedKey claims
5 extractedMet Office has issued a rare red weather warning for England, with temperatures potentially reaching 40C.
Europe is experiencing a debilitating heatwave, leading to school closures and train cancellations.
France is restricting outdoor alcohol consumption to alleviate pressure on emergency services.
The high temperatures coincide with the return of El Niño, nicknamed 'Godzilla' for its predicted strength.
It is possible that the UK is becoming a 40C country.