Temperatures have surged past 40 degrees Celsius in southern Europe. Wildfires are tearing through Spain, France, Greece and Italy. British holidaymakers face disrupted flights, closed highways and health warnings as the mercury rises.
But the crisis is not confined to the beach. The heatwave is burning through Europe’s supply chains. River levels are dropping on the Rhine, threatening essential barge routes for coal, chemicals and grain.
In France, energy giant EDF has been forced to reduce nuclear output because river water is too warm for cooling. The price of food and fuel is set to rise. That means the cost of bread, petrol and household bills is going up.
Not just for tourists. For everyone. The Trades Union Congress says workers need emergency heat protections.
Many already struggle with spiralling costs. Now a red heat alert is making it worse. The price of keeping cool is rising just when people can least afford it.
British travellers are warned to check their insurance and pack extra water. But the real cost will be felt long after they come home. This is not a holiday problem.
It is a working family crisis. And it is happening now.
