Europe's economy shrivels as heatwave grips the continent
Romania is disconnecting its sole functioning nuclear reactor from the grid, a fifth of France’s nuclear capacity is offline, and tourism hotspots say visitor numbers are falling.
The United Kingdom sweltered Thursday as Europe endured a heatwave that endangered records. London's temperature soared to 38.1 degrees Celsius (100.6 Fahrenheit), the hottest day of the year, surpassing the previous high of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) on June 28, according to the Met Office. France also braced for even hotter conditions, with predictions of temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in central and southern areas and 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) in Paris.
The ongoing heat wave, now in its fifth wave for the year, has led to widespread drought conditions, damaging crops and draining rivers. The U.K. is considering a rare drought order to curb water usage. Wildfires are also a growing concern, with 1,017 recorded in England and Wales this year, matching last year's record.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- UK swelters as Europe’s heatwave bites back economictimes.indiatimes.com
