Extreme heat causing wildfires across southern Europe
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In Greece, around 5,000 firefighters are tackling flames after more than 152 new fires broke out across the country in the past 24 hours. Thousands of residents and visitors have been moved to safety from the tourist islands of Chios and Zakynthos.Authorities in the countries have warned that conditions could remain difficult for the next few days.In Spain, more than 4,000 people were evacuated overnight in the north-western province of León after around 30 blazes were reported.The country's government has raised its national emergency response level.Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "We are at extreme risk of forest fires. Please be very cautious."
In neighbouring Portugal, firefighters battled three large wildfires after extreme temperatures were recorded in the area.Officials warned southern regions of the country could hit highs of 44C.Elsewhere in Europe, heat alerts remain in place in France, Italy and the Balkans, with temperatures expected to go above 40C in some areas.Scientists have warned that climate change is making Mediterranean summers hotter and drier, which is causing longer and more intense fire seasons.
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Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
BBC fails to predict heavy rain during heatwave
The BBC failed to predict heavy rain across the south of England on Wednesday – having forecast heatwave temperatures. BBC Weather, the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) were wrong-footed by sudden downpours. They had told the public to expect sunshine and temperatures of up to 34C, with the UKHSA issuing an amber heat health alert on Tuesday that warned of potential deaths. But heavy downpours instead erupted across an area ranging from Hampshire to Suffolk between 2pm and 5pm. The unexpected rainfall prompted anger from the public towards the forecasters and the UKHSA. Oliver Brett, a consultant, told BBC Weather: 'You guys are embarrassingly bad at your jobs. Quite significant rain in north London and thunder too, but your weather app has nothing but yellow suns and 0 per cent rain.' Gavin Attridge, a journalist, added: 'Many thanks to all involved for the inaccurate weather forecasts for today. No chance of rain – in fact, thunderstorms and heavy rain in London. I'm wearing suede shoes with leather soles and no umbrella.' Richard Tice, the Reform UK MP, told The Telegraph : 'BBC Weather has become like BBC Verify... I have renamed them BBC Guesswork.' BBC Weather had forecast clear skies and temperatures of 26C in London, while the Met Office predicted 29C and sunshine. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday and Thursday – but not in the south of England. The UKHSA had also warned that high temperatures could 'result in serious health outcomes across the population' and that the public should take 'sensible precautions while enjoying the sun'. Counteracting 'weather disinformation' Its amber heat health alert – which covered the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, London and the East of England – was issued on Tuesday and due to last until 6pm on Wednesday. On Tuesday, temperatures reached 33.4C, with the highest readings recorded in Benson, Oxfordshire, Herefordshire and west London. BBC Weather and the Met Office are joining forces to counter 'weather disinformation' and provide 'weather education' to combat conspiracy theories and other false information. Last year, the BBC Weather app wrongly predicted 15,000mph winds across the UK, with the error blamed on a data problem with the US meteorological service, DTN. In 2023, the app forecast temperatures of just 7C in late June after it was hit by a technical glitch.
Telegraph
2 hours ago
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British holidaymakers warned not to drive in France as roads ‘could melt'
British holidaymakers in France have been warned not to drive at the hottest times of the day as temperatures soar. Bison Fute, the French government's road information service, stated that ' extreme heat ' meant people should avoid driving during 'the hottest hours of the day between 12pm and 4pm'. France is experiencing a harsher summer than the UK, with temperatures in some areas exceeding 40C on Wednesday. Bison Fute also urged motorists to deploy sun visors across their rear window and rear side windows to reduce the interior temperature of vehicles. It warned: 'Do not leave anyone in the vehicle when it is stopped to avoid sunstroke and dehydration.' Tony Rich, the head of media for AA roadside operations, said the French authorities were concerned about road surfaces deteriorating in the heat, and people becoming stranded if they break down. 'Brutal' dangers of car breaking down He said: 'Extreme heat can lead to roads melting – they begin to soften at around 50C. However, even a sunny day with 20C can be enough to generate enough heat that the asphalt absorbs it and then builds up during the day, with the hottest period between noon and 5pm. 'Officials in France will also be worried about car occupants being stranded on the road. A short trip that might not be considered dangerous could become brutal if a vehicle ends up at the roadside and the driver and occupants have not taken adequate precautions against the heat, such as extra water, headgear, sunscreen and other protection.' Melting roads is a phenomenon that is unusual in the UK but relatively common on the continent. During the July Tour de France road cycle race three years ago, organisers poured 10,000 litres (2,600 gallons) of water on the race course to keep the surface cool. Pierre-Yves Thouault, the race's deputy director told Le Parisien magazine that organisers had 'identified areas which, end to end, would be between 150 and 200 meters of what we call sweating zones where, because of the heat, the tar melts and creates slippery streaks on the road'. Most roads will not begin to soften until they hit a temperature of around 50C, the Road Surface Treatment Association confirmed. 'With temperatures regularly reaching the high 20Cs, the bitumen in some road surfaces may soften and rise to the top,' the organisation explained. 'This makes the road surface sticky and more susceptible to pressure loads from heavy vehicles, resulting in surface ridging and rutting.' British Tarmac rules were changed in 1995 after a heatwave to ensure that our roads are less susceptible to melting in the sun. Under that rule change, the recipe for the Tarmac mix was changed to include polymer binding agents that raise the melting point to around 80C. In July residents of Cannock, Staffordshire, complained that bits of a melting road were sticking to their cars' tyres and causing damage. 'You're ripping up great big chunks out of the road and when you put the car onto the drive, it's literally bringing all the tar onto the drives and it's just spreading all over them,' Marc Edwards, a local resident, told ITV News.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Heat health alerts extended into next week
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