Parts of France have been devastated by extensive flooding as Storm Darcy brought disruption to much of Europe.
In Paris, parts of quays on the river Seine have been inaccessible for days after the river broke its banks with water levels at 4.35 metres on Monday morning.
The worst flooding was in Saintes, 115 km (71 miles) north of Bordeaux, where the river Charente stood at a near-record level of 6.20 metres (20 feet). The waters were at waist level in several streets and knee-deep in large parts of the town.
Meanwhile, Germany has been hit by a snow storm widely dubbed the "Beast from the East" which sent thermometers plunging.
Temperatures fell to minus 8 degrees in Berlin and minus 3 in Frankfurt on Monday, according to The Weather Channel, and were projected to stay around there for most of the week.
Most of England and Scotland are still covered by snow and ice warnings on Monday.
The Met Office has issued severe amber snow warnings for London and south-east England, where heavy snow is likely to cause long delays on roads and to rail and air travel.
Forecasters are warning of a strong chance of roads becoming blocked by deep snow, “with many stranded vehicles and passengers likely”. Snow accumulations of 5-10cm will be widespread in the affected area, and reaching up to 30cm in “a few sites”.
Areas under the warning comprise the outskirts of south-east London, plus Kent, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
In pictures - Storm Darcy
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
Penguin
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
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