Jeremy Clarkson Branded An ‘Utter Womble’ Over Heatwave Tweet

Jeremy Clarkson has landed himself in hot water after tweeting about the heatwave that's currently sweeping through Europe.

Taking to the social media platform on Sunday (17 July), Clarkson seemingly had a dig at the British government’s response to the heatwave, writing: “It’s very hot in the south of France but so far as I know, there’s no DefCon 8 level 3 killer death heatwave warning in place.”

Social media users weren’t best pleased with Clarkson’s attempt to down play the scorching temperatures currently roasting the UK, with one person branding the Top Gear star an ‘utter womble’. 

It’s very hot in the south of France but so far as I know, there’s no DefCon 8 level 3 killer death heatwave warning in place.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 17, 2022

While 16,000 people have been evacuated on France’s south coast as wildfires tear through Europe, here in the UK, we’re experiencing temperatures so high that the Met Office has issued its first-ever red warning for exceptional heat.

People were quick to point out both of these facts to Clarkson, with one person replying: “There has been heatwave warnings, and they’ve literally been evacuating people from the south of France today you utter womble.”

Another added: “France is literally on fire Jeremy,” while a third quipped: “How to tell everyone you’re an idiot without telling them you’re an idiot.”

Dr Philip Lee, a medical specialist, wrote in response: “They’ve literally evacuated 14,000 people from Southern France Jeremy. Because it’s on fire.”

I’ve spent my life working in extreme heat and we survived by having a beer under a tree. Climate change is real. Drink more beer.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 18, 2022

“France is literally burning to the ground with 16,000 already evacuated. 1,000 people have died in Spain & Portugal in recent days. Jeremy Clarkson is a dangerous, ignorant fool,” a fifth person tweeted.

On Monday, Clarkson once again took to Twitter to address the heatwave, writing: “I’ve spent my life working in extreme heat and we survived by having a beer under a tree. Climate change is real. Drink more beer.”

Oh, and Clarkson also tweeted: “My next door neighbour in France has a leaf blower. I may insert it in him,” on Monday, but we’re not even going to attempt to try and explain that one. 

LADbible has approached Clarkson’s representative for comment. 

Tracy Nicholls, chief executive of the College of Paramedics, warned this week that the heatwave poses real danger, saying: “This isn’t like a lovely hot day where we can put a bit of sunscreen on and go out and enjoy a swim or a meal outside.”

She added: “This is serious heat that could actually ultimately end in people’s deaths because it is so ferocious and we’re just not set up for that sort of heat in this country.”