Europe swelters under second heat dome of summer as temperatures top 104°F
Europe is baking under its second heat dome in two months, with temperatures soaring above 104°F (40°C) and dangerous heat alerts issued from Ireland to Greece.
Twenty-six countries posted heat warnings Monday as a persistent high‑pressure system traps hot air across the continent, fueling one of Western Europe’s most severe June heat waves on record.
The heat dome combined with a strengthening El Niño in the Pacific, which increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat has pushed many regions into unprecedented temperature territory. France bore the brunt, with more than half of its 96 departments under the most severe red heat alerts and some areas topping 104°F. Authorities banned public alcohol consumption at the nationwide Fête de la Musique festival in regions under red alerts and ordered the closure of more than 800 schools as temperatures were forecast to climb even higher. Météo‑France warned the heat would stay on a “very high plateau” through at least Thursday, and several locations set all‑time temperature records for any month.
Officials said parts of France could exceed 107°F (42°C) on Monday conditions Météo‑France compared to the deadly 2003 heat wave and predicted could surpass it in maximum intensity. In the United Kingdom, the Met Office forecast temperatures near 102°F (39°C) later this week, which would shatter the UK’s June record and produce oppressive humidity.
Scientists point to climate change as a major driver of the worsening heat. “Heat domes trap hot air and, when combined with human‑driven warming, make extreme heat events hotter, more frequent and longer lasting,” said a climate expert. Health and emergency services across Europe urged people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat, check on vulnerable neighbors, and follow local guidance on heat‑safety measures.
As Europe struggles under extended high temperatures, the combination of a parked heat dome and El Niño raises concerns for agriculture, energy demand, public health and wildfire risk across the region.
Read more news on France: Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra inaugurated Pakistan pavilion
