Scientists said the stifling heatwave would have been virtually impossible without man-made climate change

Europe is experiencing an intense and widespread heatwave that has pushed temperatures to record or near-record levels across multiple countries, with authorities issuing widespread emergency warnings. Italy’s health ministry has placed 16 cities, including Milan and Rome, under a red alert for extreme heat on Wednesday, while the United Kingdom is preparing for temperatures that could reach up to 40C in parts of England and Wales, alongside a rare red warning stretching from London to Wales and central England.