Europe hits 40ºC as heatwave threatens tourism industry, wildlife

AI Summary

Europe experiences an intense heatwave with temperatures reaching 40°C, causing transport disruptions and impacting wildlife and tourism sectors. The early summer heatwave has sparked concerns about prolonged extreme weather conditions.

A severe ⁠heatwave gripped much of Europe on Sunday, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting nationwide warnings, transport disruption and signs of strain on wildlife and at tourist hotspots. The heat surge on June 21, the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and typically the start of the three hottest months of the year, raised concerns of an early and persistent onset of ‌extreme conditions. After several days of temperatures above 35 degrees,...