At least 11 dead as Europe bakes in unprecedented heatwave

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"In short:

London has recorded a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, breaking the record for the hottest day in May on record.

Europe is sweltering through an unusually early heatwave that scientists say are becoming more frequent and occurring at abnormal times due to climate change.

At least 11 people have died in Britain and France, mostly due to drownings as people seek relief. 

Heat records have tumbled across Europe for the second straight day as an unprecedentedly early heatwave continues to bake the continent, with some fatalities reported.

In London, temperatures topped 35 degrees Celsius in the mid-afternoon, officially making Tuesday the hottest day in May since records began.

This broke the previous record, set only a day prior on Monday, when the British capital sweltered under 33.5C temperatures.

London also recorded a rare "tropical night" on Monday evening, defined as one in which the temperature does not fall below 20C." ABC News

 

 

Temperatures in London topped 35 degrees Celsius on Tuesday afternoon, local time. (AP: Kin Cheung)