Western Europe sets new temperature record as heat waves hit region
Europe is experiencing a severe heat wave with record-breaking temperatures in France and the U.K., contributing to a trend of extreme weather in 2026. Scientists attribute these conditions to a combination of human-caused climate change and a strong El Niño event.
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Highlights the ongoing global climate crisis and the tangible impact of rising temperatures on public health and infrastructure.
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PARIS (AP) — The U.K. and France are bracing for the fifth heat wave of the season, adding to an intense stretch of hot weather that has repeatedly sent temperatures soaring across Europe since May.
National weather agency Météo-France is warning about temperatures approaching 40 C (104 F) from Tuesday onward in southeastern France. And in the U.K., an amber heat health alert for most of England will be in place beginning Tuesday as temperatures are forecast to climb to 36 C (96.8 F) later this week.
Across Europe, the extreme heat began in May and has contributed to major wildfires , prolonged drought and new national temperature records , as well as thousands of projected heat-related deaths.
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