Health officials have issued alerts across the UK and Northern Europe as the region experiences its first significant heat wave of the year, with temperatures climbing into the low 30s Celsius in eastern England—marking the earliest such spike on record.

The intense heat has prompted amber heat‑health warnings, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure, while forecasters also warn of thunderstorms later this week as overheated air collides with cooler fronts.

The extreme conditions come amid growing concerns over the impacts of climate change on summer safety and public health.