Europe faces second extreme heat wave in two months as temperatures exceed 104°F
A persistent high-pressure system is driving a heat wave across 26 European countries, prompting school closures, bans on public alcohol consumption and record-breaking temperature forecasts.
A second heat dome in two months is pushing temperatures above 104°F (40°C) across much of Europe, prompting heat alerts in 26 nations from Ireland to Greece. The high-pressure system traps hot air, while a strengthening El Niño in the Pacific is expected to increase the frequency of such extremes.
In France, more than half of the country's regions are under red heat-wave alerts, with some areas reporting temperatures over 104°F. The government has banned public alcohol sales at the Fête de la musique festival in regions under red alerts and ordered the closure of over 800 schools. Temperatures are forecast to rise above 107°F (42°C) on Monday, potentially setting a national record for any month.
The United Kingdom's Met Office expects daytime highs of at least 102.2°F (39°C) on Wednesday, which would surpass the previous June record of 96.1°F (35.6°C) set in 1976. A rare Red Extreme Heat Warning has been issued, and nighttime temperatures are expected to remain above 68°F (20°C), limiting relief.
Spain is also experiencing triple-digit temperatures and warm nights, with the Almería coast reporting nighttime lows no lower than 86°F (30°C). A World Cup fan zone in Madrid was closed due to the heat.
Scientists note that such extreme heat events are becoming more severe as global temperatures rise. "Human-driven climate change has loaded the atmosphere with extra heat, making extreme temperatures far more intense than they would have been in the past," said a meteorologist at the University of Reading.
Health officials warn that heat can be deadly, especially in regions where air-conditioning is uncommon; only about 20% of European homes have it compared with roughly 90% in the United States.
