Europe bakes under a second heat dome as France logs record June heat and dozens of regions hit red alert
Tens of millions across western Europe are under extreme heat alerts as a second heat dome in two months pushes temperatures past 40C. France logged its hottest June day and night on record, with dozens of regions placed under the top red alert. At least 40 people have drowned tr
Tens of millions of people across western Europe are under extreme heat alerts as the continent bakes under its second heat dome in just two months, with temperatures pushing past 40C (over 104F). France has been hit hardest, logging its hottest June day on record on Monday followed by its hottest night ever. Meteo France placed dozens of departments under its highest red alert, and across the region 26 countries from Ireland to Greece have posted heat alerts. Southwestern France faces a plateau near 45C for several days. The human toll is mounting: at least 40 people have drowned after flocking to rivers, lakes and beaches to cool off, hundreds of schools have closed, and public transport has been disrupted. With many homes lacking air conditioning, the nights are especially dangerous. Forecasters say further records could fall in the coming days as the heat dome holds.