1 / 10Scorching Western Europe: Large parts of Western Europe are enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures rising above 40°C in Spain and triggering wildfires in France. Britain and the Netherlands are also affected. Scientists link the heat to a “heat dome” trapping hot air over the region. The heatwave is disrupting daily life, closing schools, straining hospitals, and threatening vulnerable people, including children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. (AP photo)
2 / 10What’s a Heat Dome: A heat dome is a high-pressure system that traps hot air below, like a lid over a pot. It prevents cloud formation and blocks cooling winds. This leads to long, sunny, and still days. Over time, heat builds up, drying the ground and increasing wildfire risks. The current heat dome is expected to dissipate soon as cooler systems move in from the Atlantic. (AP photo)
3 / 10Climate Connection: Heat domes are not new, but their severity is growing. Scientists say climate change is intensifying, prolonging, and advancing heat waves. Greenhouse gas emissions have raised global temperatures by 1.3°C since the Industrial Revolution. As a result, heatwaves now hit higher peaks. Europe, warming at twice the global average, is seeing more extreme heat events earlier in the year and lasting longer into late summer. (AP photo)
4 / 10Fires and Records: Spain recorded its hottest June on record. Mora in Portugal reached 46.6°C, setting a national June high. France saw its first major forest fires of the season, burning nearly 400 hectares in Aude. In Turkey, wildfires near Izmir and Hatay forced evacuations of 50,000 residents and led to airport closures. Firefighters are working to contain fires as extreme heat and dry winds persist. (AP photo)
5 / 10Widespread Warnings: Heat warnings were issued in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and the UK. Seville hit 42°C, prompting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to call extreme heat the “new normal.” The WHO warned of silent threats to those most vulnerable. Italy placed 21 cities on red alert, with outdoor work restricted in Liguria and Sicily. Some regions in Germany limited water use due to drought. (AP photo)
6 / 10Strain on Cities: Paris hit 40°C, prompting the closure of the Eiffel Tower’s summit. Over 1,300 French schools closed. Spain’s Barcelona saw its hottest June since 1914, with 37.9°C recorded Monday. Madrid reached 39°C. In Florence, a blackout occurred due to high power demand. Rome and Venice offered free pool and museum access to seniors. The Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic shortened school hours. (AP photo)
7 / 10UK Heat Records: Britain saw its hottest Wimbledon opening, with temperatures near 30°C. June was the warmest on record in England, and the UK saw its second-warmest June overall. Heat alerts were issued as temperatures exceeded 33.6°C. The Met Office said human-driven climate change has made extreme heat more frequent and intense. A recent study warned of more prolonged heat events in future years. (AP photo)
8 / 10Health and Economy: Extreme heat is impacting public health and economies. Heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion are risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Hospitals in Italy and France set up heatstroke pathways. Spain is using AI to protect women at risk of domestic violence, which rises in hot months. Allianz Trade estimates Europe could lose 0.5% in economic growth this year due to the heatwave. (AP photo)
9 / 10Marine Heatwave: A marine heatwave in the Mediterranean is compounding land temperatures. Water is up to 9°C above normal, affecting humidity and night cooling. This marine heat is also reinforcing the atmospheric heat dome. Mont Blanc’s summit was above freezing, and the Mediterranean hit a record June temperature. This feedback loop contributes to hotter, drier conditions and raises the risk of fires and floods. (AP photo)
10 / 10Some Relief Ahead: Relief from the heat is expected midweek for parts of Western Europe. France will see Paris cool from 40°C to 28°C by Thursday. Germany’s Frankfurt will drop from 40°C to 27°C. Thunderstorms are forecast in some areas. But Spain and Italy may wait until the weekend for cooler weather. Climate experts warn such extreme heat will likely become common each summer. (AP photo)
