“I would submit, furthermore, that not only is there a debate, but the debate is shifting away from those who subscribe to global warming alarmism. After studying the issue over the last several years, I believe that the balance of the evidence demonstrates that natural variability is the overwhelming factor influencing climate....

“I have offered compelling evidence that catastrophic global warming is a hoax.”

--Senator James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, in a July speech

Britain's heatwave is set to intensify this week, with forecasters predicting record temperatures of up to 99F (37.2C)....

Britain has already seen the third warmest June and July of the last century. And the hottest temperature of the year - 33.6C (91F), recorded at Wisley, Surrey, on July 15 - is among the first of many records expected to be surpassed over the coming days.

PA WeatherCentre forecaster Elizabeth Anett said: "It's possible that on Wednesday we could have the highest temperature ever recorded in Britain." The previous high, 37.1C, was set in Cheltenham, on August 3 1990....

In Europe, the heatwave and strong winds have stoked a series of forest fires that have been raging through Spain and Portugal....

Health officials said cases of heat stroke had risen 10% year-on-year as temperatures in some southern cities topped 46F [115 degrees Fahrenheit], according to RNE. In the last few days several towns, mostly in Andalucia, have recorded their highest temperatures since records began....

--Guardian

(Here are older stories on recent heat waves in the old Europe, the new Europe, and the Indian subcontinent. Lotta heat this year.)

(UPDATE: "new Europe" link is now working.)