The UK Met Office reported that 29,074 lightning strikes were recorded across the UK in the 24 hours leading up to 9am on Tuesday, as a dramatic thunderstorm swept through southern England. The storm brought vivid lightning displays that illuminated the night sky over London and other areas, coinciding with a historic June heatwave gripping Europe.
Record-Breaking Heatwave
The thunderstorm occurred as Europe experienced an unprecedented June heatwave, with temperatures soaring across the continent. According to the Met Office, temperatures could reach 39C on Thursday, most likely in London or the south-east of England. This follows a pattern of extreme heat events linked to climate change.
Impact Across Europe
The heatwave has had deadly consequences elsewhere in Europe. In France, at least 40 people drowned as they sought relief in rivers, lakes, and the sea. Parts of Spain recorded nighttime temperatures above 30C, providing little respite from the heat. The extreme conditions have prompted warnings from authorities about the dangers of heat exposure and water safety.
The Met Office's data underscores the intensity of the storm, which brought not only lightning but also heavy rain and gusty winds to some areas. The combination of heat and thunderstorms is typical of unstable summer weather patterns, but the scale of lightning strikes and the accompanying heatwave have drawn attention to the broader climate crisis.
