By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Large parts of England and several European countries are reeling under “heat dome” conditions prompting authorities to issue rare extreme heat warnings and urge people to take precautions against potentially life-threatening conditions.
Temperatures are forecast to soar close to 35-40 degrees Celsius in parts of southern England this week, threatening to break long-standing June records.
The UK Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat covering parts of England and Wales, warning of severe impacts on public health, transport networks and essential services. Forecasters expect temperatures to reach at least 39 degrees Celsius, with some areas possibly touching 40 degrees Celsius. Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain unusually high, offering little relief from the heat.
Schools, hospitals and transport operators across England are preparing for disruption. Hundreds of schools in England and Wales have either closed temporarily or shortened their operating hours as classrooms become dangerously hot. Rail operators and road authorities have also warned of delays and infrastructure problems caused by the extreme temperatures.
The heatwave is not limited to Britain. France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany and several other European countries are also experiencing exceptionally high temperatures. French authorities have placed several regions under red alert, with temperatures in some areas expected to exceed 42 degrees Celsius. The extreme weather has already been linked to multiple deaths and dozens of water-related incidents as people seek relief from the scorching conditions.
Meteorologists attribute the heatwave to a powerful “heat dome” and an atmospheric blocking pattern that has trapped hot air over western Europe. Experts say such events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, raising concerns about future summers across the continent.
Health authorities have advised people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and check on elderly relatives and vulnerable neighbours. The UK Health Security Agency has warned that even healthy individuals may face health risks during the current heatwave.
While weather models suggest temperatures may begin easing later in the week, officials remain on high alert as Europe faces one of its most severe early-summer heat events in recent years.