Europe is facing its second major heat wave in two months, with temperatures rising above 40°C (104°F) and creating dangerous conditions across much of the continent. Now, France has restricted public alcohol consumption, Spain has shut down a World Cup fan zone, and the UK is bracing for record-breaking June temperatures.
On June 22, 26 countries from Ireland to Greece issued heat alerts as rising temperatures drove one of the worst June heat waves ever recorded in Western Europe.
The extreme temperatures are being caused by a heat dome over Europe that has returned for the second time in two months, trapping hot air like a lid. The situation is being intensified by a strengthening El Niño in the Pacific, which is linked to more frequent and severe global heat extremes.
Heat is one of the most evident signs of the climate crises. The greenhouse gases released through fossil fuel combustion create an insulating layer around our planet, warming Earth. Scientists widely agree that climate change is responsible for more extreme heat waves in various parts of the world, with serious consequences. Wildfires destroy homes and take lives, extreme heat threatens the food supply, and the elderly are especially at risk. And in Europe and Central Asia, half of all children face frequent heat waves—twice the global average of one in four children.
To find out more about the most significant heat waves ever, read up on the hottest days in history in this gallery.