Jul 22, 2026 – 4.00pmLondon | There is a joke doing the rounds about how England is turning into Southern Europe: a revolving door of prime ministers, a good football team and sunny weather that’s becoming unbearably hot with increasing frequency.But the heatwaves that have swept the United Kingdom and Europe this northern hemisphere summer are no laughing matter, having long ago gone beyond something to grin and bear with a smile as ice-cream sales soar and lidos do brisk business.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles