A “tsunami cloud” sent beachgoers into a frenzy as a raging 45C heat affected the coastline beauty spot in Hendaye, France. The massive cloud often happens due to abrupt drops in temperature and fierce winds. Tourists were seen grabbing their belongings and fleeing the impending “tornado” which horrified some members of the public.
Weather Conditions
French officials showed those at the beach trying to flee the meteorological phenomenon. The scene was described as a sudden change with a darkness overshadowing the previously sunny beach. One person described the scene as a “sublime, but very unsettling” experience.
Tourists on the Basque coast were seen grabbing their belongings and fleeing. One person said: “It was like a tornado: all of a sudden, the wind picks up, people get up and leave, and it turns dark. We had sunshine, but then, all at once, it clouded over and turned misty.” The weather across Europe is set to remain brutally hot as the heatwave continues, with the Met Office predicting all-time high temperatures for July.
Heatwave Records
Dr Amy Doherty, Met Office Science Manager, said: “This year has already seen a number of remarkable temperature milestones.” The UK has recorded a record eight days with temperatures exceeding 34°C, surpassing the previous record held by 1976 and 2020.
According to the report, it is also the first year in the UK weather record to see temperatures reach 35°C or higher in May, June and July. These records highlight just how notable this year has been for UK temperatures, with exceptional warmth observed across multiple months.
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As the heatwave continues, wildfire warnings are now in place, with warm and dry conditions set to affect forests across the country. A National Fire Chiefs Council spokesperson said: “When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire.
Wildfire Prevention
The spokesperson added: “What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk.” The council is asking everyone to take extra care outdoors, whether that’s avoiding disposable barbecues in the countryside, parks or moorlands, or making sure cigarettes are fully extinguished.
A few simple actions can make a huge difference and help prevent fires before they start. The Met Office is predicting all-time high temperatures for July. A National Fire Chiefs Council spokesperson said: “We’re asking everyone to take extra care outdoors, whether that’s avoiding disposable barbecues in the countryside, parks or moorlands, or making sure cigarettes are fully extinguished.”
One beachgoer described the scene as a “tornado”-like experience. The weather across Europe is set to remain brutally hot as the heatwave continues.
