Context:

Europe is facing an intense and prolonged heat wave, with temperatures reaching record highs in countries such as Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. The heat wave, caused by a high-pressure system known as a heat dome, is expected to continue into the following week, exacerbating health and fire risks across the continent. In Spain, temperatures hit an unprecedented 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit, setting new records, while France experienced its 50th heat wave since 1947, coupled with severe thunderstorms. Greece and Italy are under high alert due to soaring temperatures and wildfires, with Greece issuing emergency weather warnings and Italy placing 21 cities under the highest-level heat alert. Forecasters warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, predicting a significant increase in heat wave days by the end of the century.

Dive Deeper:

• Spain recorded a potential national temperature record of 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit, with the heat wave expected to last at least until midweek, prompting health warnings across the country.

• France has been experiencing its 50th heat wave since 1947, with temperatures exceeding 106 degrees Fahrenheit and severe thunderstorms affecting regions like Paris, which faced flooding and hailstones.

• Portugal saw temperatures rise to 113.7 degrees Fahrenheit, and the national meteorological service indicates that the heat wave will persist into the coming week, affecting large portions of the country.

• In Greece, wildfires south of Athens have led to evacuation orders, with temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit and emergency weather warnings issued for several regions.

• Italy's Ministry of Health placed 21 cities under its highest-level heat alert due to temperatures nearing 104 degrees Fahrenheit, posing health risks even to healthy individuals.

• Britain is experiencing its second official heat wave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, coinciding with the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

• Meteorologists attribute the persistent heat to a high-pressure system called a heat dome, which traps hot air over the region, with climate change contributing to the frequency and severity of such events.