Meteo France reported that the country’s national thermal indicator, which measures average temperatures from 30 weather stations, reached 29.8 degrees Celsius (85.6 Fahrenheit). The figure surpassed previous national records set during major heat waves in 2003 and 2019.

Weather officials warned that temperatures could continue rising in the coming days, with additional records possible before conditions begin to ease.

France Faces Record-Breaking Temperatures

The heat wave has pushed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in several parts of the country, while numerous local weather stations have registered new daily records.

Meteo France described the event as reaching a “plateau of severity,” with intense heat continuing both day and night. The weather service said more than half of France would remain under significant heat alerts as the extreme conditions expand northward.

Authorities expect the heat wave to continue through at least the weekend.

Daily Life Disrupted Across the Country

The soaring temperatures have affected schools, transportation services and outdoor workplaces throughout France.

In Paris, the Eiffel Tower closed earlier than usual because of the heat. The Louvre Museum also announced reduced visiting hours from Wednesday through Saturday.

Museum officials said the historic building remains vulnerable to extreme temperatures and is not fully adapted to the growing challenges posed by climate change. They noted that heat tends to accumulate during the afternoon and evening, particularly when visitor numbers are high.

Outdoor workers have also struggled with the conditions. Paris roofer Gin Dujardin said metal roofing surfaces became so hot that construction work was becoming increasingly difficult.

Rising Safety Concerns

French authorities reported a growing number of heat-related incidents as residents seek relief from the high temperatures.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 40 people had died from drowning over the past week. Many entered rivers, lakes and other waterways despite warnings about the dangers of unsupervised swimming.

According to officials, most of the victims were young people.

Health experts continue to warn that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heat stroke.

Britain and Spain Also Under Heat Alerts

The heat emergency extends well beyond France.

In the United Kingdom, the Met Office issued heat warnings for Wednesday and Thursday as temperatures in southern England were forecast to approach 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 Fahrenheit).

Hundreds of schools planned to close or shorten their schedules because of the heat. Several rail operators also reduced services amid concerns that high temperatures could damage infrastructure and create safety risks.

Transportation companies urged passengers to avoid unnecessary travel during the hottest parts of the week.

Further south, Spain faced some of the most extreme temperatures in Europe.

The national weather agency Aemet issued red alerts for parts of Andalusia, where temperatures were expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit). Warnings were also issued in northern regions, including Cantabria and the Basque Country, where temperatures rarely reach such levels.

Aemet meteorologist Rubén del Campo said heat waves in Spain are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and increasingly occurring outside the traditional summer months of July and August.

Climate Change Driving More Extreme Heat

Scientists and climate agencies have linked the growing frequency and intensity of heat waves to human-caused climate change.

The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that Europe is warming faster than any other continent, with temperatures increasing at roughly twice the global average rate since the 1980s.

Copernicus found that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded both globally and across Europe. The agency also reported that Europe experienced its second-highest number of heat-stress days during the year.

The World Health Organization’s Europe office said earlier this month that more than 200,000 people across the continent have died from heat-related causes over the past four years, with many of those deaths considered preventable.

Comparisons to the 2003 Heat Disaster

The current heat wave has already drawn comparisons with France’s devastating summer of 2003, one of the country’s deadliest weather events in modern history.

That heat wave caused an estimated 15,000 deaths across France, many involving elderly residents living in homes and apartments without air conditioning.

Scientists warn that rising global temperatures are increasing the likelihood of more frequent and intense heat waves, while also raising the risk of droughts and wildfires across Europe.

Tags: France, Europe Heat Wave, Climate Change, Meteo France, Paris, United Kingdom, Spain, Copernicus, World Health Organization, Extreme Weather, Heat Records, Public Safety

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Summer isn’t easing in quietly this year — it’s showing up with a bang.

A massive heat dome is expected to blanket much of the U.S. this week, bringing oppressive heat and humidity to millions from the Midwest to the East Coast. For many, this will be the first taste of true summer weather — and it won’t be a gentle one.

The Midwest Is in the Hot Seat

This weekend, states like Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Kansas are bracing for the worst of it. The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of extreme temperature impacts, especially in parts of the Midwest where “category 4” risk levels — the highest on their heat scale — are expected.

That means anyone without access to cooling or proper hydration could face serious health risks, including heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“We’ve heard a lot of people asking, ‘Where’s summer?’” said Tom Kines, meteorologist at AccuWeather. “Well, buckle up, because it’s coming.”

What’s a Heat Dome, Anyway?

A heat dome forms when a high-pressure system settles over an area and traps hot, moist air beneath it — essentially creating a giant lid on the atmosphere. That trapped heat keeps baking the region for days, sometimes even weeks.

“It acts like a pressure cooker,” explained Ricky Castro of the National Weather Service in Illinois.

And it’s not just the temperatures. The humidity will make it feel even worse. While thermometers may read 90°F (32°C) or higher, the heat index — or “feels like” temperature — could be 10 to 20 degrees hotter in some places.

How Hot Will It Get?

Here’s a preview of what to expect across some major cities:

• Denver could hit 100°F (38°C) by Friday
• Chicago is expected to reach 96°F (36°C) on Sunday
• Washington, D.C. may spike to 99°F (37°C) by Tuesday
• New York City’s Central Park could hit 96°F (36°C)

Nighttime won’t bring much relief either — temperatures will hover in the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C), giving bodies and buildings little chance to cool down.

Humidity Makes the Heat Even More Dangerous

The real trouble with this kind of heat? The humidity.

When it’s humid, sweat evaporates more slowly, which means your body can’t cool itself as effectively. This raises the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke — especially for vulnerable groups like older adults, young children, and those with chronic health issues.

To stay safe, the NWS recommends:

• Staying hydrated
• Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing
• Avoiding direct sunlight
• Spending time in air-conditioned spaces

Dry Heat vs. Humid Heat

Not all heat is created equal. Cities like Phoenix, Arizona, experience what’s called dry heat — extremely hot but low in humidity. While sweat evaporates more quickly in these conditions (which helps cool you down), it can also be deceptive. You may not realize how much fluid you’re losing.

“You can get dehydrated fast without noticing,” warn experts at Johns Hopkins University.

Even the Cornfields Are Sweating

Believe it or not, crops contribute to humidity too — especially in places like Iowa.

Farmers call it “corn sweat.” When temperatures rise, corn plants release moisture into the air to cool themselves down. It’s not the main driver of Midwest humidity (most of that comes from the Gulf of Mexico), but it does add to the steamy conditions.

“It’s not as bad as a sauna,” said Ryan Marquardt, a farmer in Madison County, Iowa, “but it definitely has a sauna effect. It’s humid in there, so you’re gonna sweat.”

Final Takeaway

This incoming heat dome is no ordinary summer heatwave. It’s shaping up to be intense, long-lasting, and potentially dangerous. Keep an eye on local forecasts, look out for vulnerable neighbors, and take steps to protect yourself — especially over the weekend if you’re in the Midwest.

Summer has arrived, and it’s not playing around.

Source: AP News – Heat dome will blanket much of the US, with worrisome temperatures in Midwest

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