Unprecedented Heatwave Disrupts Daily Life in Europe and India

Jakarta – A wave of extreme heat has begun sweeping across parts of Europe and India, prompting authorities to issue warnings as temperatures climb far above seasonal norms.

In several European countries, including the United Kingdom and France, the heat has already disrupted daily life. Reports have emerged of drownings as people seek relief from the scorching weather by swimming in open waters. London recently recorded what meteorologists describe as a “tropical night,” when temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius overnight.

The UK’s Met Office warned that temperatures in southern regions could reach up to 35 degrees Celsius by midweek. On Monday, May 25, 2026, the country recorded its hottest May temperature on record, reaching 35.8 degrees Celsius at Kew Gardens in London. This surpassed previous records set in 1922 and 1944, when temperatures peaked at 32.8 degrees Celsius.

France is facing similar conditions. Temperatures reached 36 degrees Celsius in several areas, though some regions still experienced cooler nights. The French meteorological agency, Météo-France, attributed the spike to a “heat dome,” a weather phenomenon in which high-pressure systems trap hot air over a region, causing temperatures to rise sharply—sometimes by as much as 10 degrees Celsius above normal levels.

Experts warn that climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves. These events are becoming more unpredictable, occurring in unusual locations and seasons, and posing serious risks to public safety.

The impact of the heatwave extends beyond discomfort. Authorities report that extreme temperatures have contributed to risky behavior. In the UK, police confirmed that a 13-year-old boy died after drowning in a reservoir in Halifax. In France, officials reported seven deaths linked to the heat, including five drownings and two fatalities during sporting events.

The situation is equally severe in India, where temperatures have surged well above seasonal averages. Streets and markets in New Delhi appeared noticeably quieter last week, as many vendors chose to operate only at night to avoid the daytime heat.

India’s meteorological department has warned that the heatwave will persist in several regions for days. Temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in lowland areas and reached around 30 degrees Celsius in highland regions. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

In Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state, daily life has been significantly disrupted. Markets have emptied, and many shops have closed as residents remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

The extreme conditions have also affected education. Authorities announced early summer holidays and suspended classes in some areas after temperatures soared to 48.2 degrees Celsius in Banda city.

Health officials continue to advise the public to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if symptoms such as dizziness or high fever occur.

To help residents cope, temporary cooling shelters have been set up across New Delhi. These facilities provide air conditioning, fans, drinking water, and oral rehydration solutions. Inside one such shelter, people rested near cooling units while volunteers distributed water mixed with rehydration salts.

“We came here for sightseeing, but it is simply too hot,” said Basharat Ahmad Malla, a 25-year-old tourist. “The cooling system here has been very helpful.”

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