Europe opens 'climate shelters' as severe heatwave grips the continent

Parts of Europe are deploying air-conditioned public buildings, branded 'climate shelters,' to protect homeless people, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses as the continent faces one of its most intense heatwaves in recent years. The measures have been rolled out in cities including Madrid. Meteorologists said an atmospheric pattern known as an Omega Block, which stalls hot air masses over a region, has pushed temperatures to record levels. In southwestern France, thermometers reached 44.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with 54 departments placed under red alert and the figure expected to rise to 58. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 40 people, most of them young, had drowned since June 18 after entering rivers and canals to cool off. In southeastern France, two children aged 2 and 4 were found dead in a parked family car, underscoring the dangers of the extreme heat. Spain issued red alerts in some regions where temperatures were forecast to hit 44 degrees, and dozens of municipalities in the north canceled traditional fire festivals due to wildfire risk. Italy's Health Ministry issued its highest-level warning for 15 cities and restricted certain outdoor work during peak hours. In southern England, temperatures could reach 37 degrees, potentially setting a new June record, according to local reports.