A severe heatwave has engulfed large swaths of Europe, prompting Britain, France, Spain, and Italy to issue the highest-level red warnings. Officials warn of health risks, wildfires, and transport disruptions as temperatures remain extreme.
Temperatures in many European cities have soared above 40°C (104°F), matching levels typically seen in Gulf nations. On June 24, Paris and London recorded higher temperatures than Mecca (Saudi Arabia) and Doha (Qatar). Madrid hit 39°C, forcing authorities to cancel a World Cup fan-zone film screening.
Why is it so hot?
The main cause is a persistent high-pressure system, known as a 'heat dome,' that has trapped hot air over Western Europe, bringing clear skies, light winds, and prolonged sunshine. Hot air from North Africa moving northward has exacerbated the situation. Copernicus data shows that in the worst-hit areas — western France, England, and Wales — average daily temperatures have been up to 12°C higher than the 1991-2020 baseline.
Scientists say this early-season heatwave is part of a global warming trend. Europe is now the fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising about 0.56°C per decade since the mid-1990s — twice the global average. Climate change makes heatwaves more frequent, intense, and likely to occur earlier or later in the year.
Temperature comparison
To put this in perspective, Al Jazeera compared the highest temperatures in five European capitals on June 24 with cities in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia — regions known for extreme heat. Europe is particularly vulnerable because most homes and infrastructure are not built to withstand prolonged heat. Only about 20% of European households have air conditioning.
How temperature is measured
Temperatures are measured by weather stations using specialized platinum resistance thermometers placed inside Stevenson screens. Measurements are taken at a standard height of 1.25-2 meters (4-6.5 feet) above ground. The Celsius scale (°C) is used worldwide; only a few countries, like the United States, use Fahrenheit.
Why does it feel hotter than forecast?
Air temperature often does not reflect how hot the body actually feels. Weather reports typically provide a 'feels like' index, adjusting temperature based on humidity, wind speed, and sun exposure. High humidity slows sweat evaporation, hindering the body's cooling process. Light winds can help cool, but direct sunlight intensifies the heat.
