A "tsunami cloud" sent beachgoers into a frenzy as a raging 45C heat affected the coastline beauty spot. French officials in Hendaye showed those at the beach trying to flee the meteorological phenomenon. The massive cloud often happens due to abrupt drops in temperature and fierce winds.
Tourists on the Basque coast were seen grabbing their belongings and fleeing the impending "tornado" which horrified some members of the public. One person described the scene as a sudden change with a darkness overshadowing the previously sunny beach. They went on to say it was a "sublime, but very unsettling" experience. The weather across Europe is set to remain brutally hot as the heatwave continues.
One beachgoer 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 Met Office is predicting all-time high temperatures for July too. Met Office Science Manager, Dr Amy Doherty, said: “This year has already seen a number of remarkable temperature milestones.
"Not only have we now recorded a record eight days with temperatures exceeding 34°C, surpassing the previous record held by 1976 and 2020, but 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."
Warm and dry conditions are set to affect forests across the country as wildfire warnings are now in place.
A National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) spokesperson said: "When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire. What can begin as a small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk.
"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. A few simple actions can make a huge difference and help prevent fires before they start."
