UK retail sales volumes rose 1.2% in May, exceeding analyst forecasts, driven by record hot weather boosting sales of fans and paddling pools, alongside strong online purchases and promotions. Supermarkets saw a slight decline.
UK retail sales volume rose 1.2% in May, exceeding analyst forecasts, due to record hot weather boosting sales of fans and pools, strong online performance, and promotions. Supermarkets were the only sector to decline.
Europe is set to experience a significant heatwave this week as hot air from the Sahara spreads across the continent, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s Celsius in several countries. Meanwhile, parts of Australia are also seeing above-average temperatures.
Europe faces another hot summer after a May heatwave caused hundreds of deaths in the UK. Experts warn of El Niño's return and the deadly impact of fossil fuels on heatwaves, urging better heat-health action plans and climate shelters.
Hong Kong Observatory forecasts extremely hot weather with temperatures up to 35°C this week, issuing its third 'very hot weather' warning. The city recorded its longest May streak of 'hot nights' with minimums above 28°C.
England coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges heat and humidity as significant obstacles for his team at the upcoming World Cup, but expresses full belief in their ability to succeed. The team is undertaking a hot-weather acclimatisation camp in Florida and has consulted specialists for strategies to manage the conditions.
Hot weather affects the body by lowering blood pressure, causing fluid and salt loss, and potentially leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, especially in vulnerable groups like older people, babies, and those with underlying conditions.
Players at the French Open are facing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 33C, impacting their performance on the red clay courts. The hot conditions affect ball speed and bounce, favoring aggressive play and spin, but also posing physical challenges.
Hundreds of homes in Kent and Sussex are without water due to high demand from hot weather, impacting villages like Charing and Eastbourne. South East Water cited technical failures and high demand, while MPs recently accused the company of incompetence over repeated outages.
Heat exhaustion, marked by excessive sweating and a temperature of 38C+, requires cooling and rest. Heatstroke is a medical emergency (40C+, confusion, seizure) needing immediate 999 call.
Hong Kong is forecast to experience a scorching week with temperatures potentially hitting 33°C on four consecutive days, possibly triggering the year's first very hot weather warning. An anticyclone aloft is bringing hot and fine weather to the region.
Taiwan will experience hot and sunny weather with temperatures reaching 31-35°C until next Thursday (28th). Highs of around 37°C are expected in Taipei, Hualien Valley, and inland central/southern areas. A front will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to northern and eastern Taiwan from Friday.
Hong Kong's first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, overcame motion sickness and other challenges to be selected for China's Shenzhou-23 mission. The 43-year-old mother of three credits sheer willpower for persevering through gruelling training.
French police have temporarily suspended extra EU border checks at Dover port, following two-hour delays for thousands of holidaymakers. The EU's new entry-exit system (EES) has caused significant disruption.
Météo-France forecasts exceptionally hot weather across most of France from the Pentecost weekend onwards, with temperatures potentially exceeding 35°C in western regions and breaking May records.
Pakistan and India are experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 45C in many areas. Extreme heat is straining resources, impacting outdoor workers, and increasing health risks, with climate experts linking the events to human-caused climate change.
Malaysia's durian exporters face mounting pressure as hot weather brings harvests forward, swelling supply while costs surge due to disrupted fuel supplies from the Iran conflict. Growers like Stephen Chow of Chow Kai Pheng Enterprise warn packaging and logistics costs could rise from 20% to 50% of export revenue, forcing cost-cutting measures at the worst possible moment.
Hong Kong is set to experience a dramatic weather shift this week as a cold front sweeps across the South China coast, bringing squally thunderstorms and a nine-degree temperature plunge. After unseasonably hot weather on Wednesday with temperatures reaching 30°C, the mercury will drop to 21°C on Friday, according to the city's Observatory.
