Europe is in the grip of a relentless and deadly heat wave, with temperature records expected to be shattered this week. The heat wave has already claimed dozens of lives, with 40 people drowning in France since June 18. Three elderly people have also lost their lives in the heat near Bordeaux, and two children aged two and four were found dead in a hot car in southern France.

Heat Records Broken

France has broken its record for the hottest night since measurements began in 1947, reaching 70.9 degrees Fahrenheit. The UK is also expected to break its June temperature record, with temperatures set to soar into the triple digits. Hundreds of schools are closing or moving to half days, and people have been told to avoid train journeys.

The heat wave is caused by a heat dome, a vast area of stagnant high pressure parked over swaths of Europe, which acts like a lid on a pot, trapping heat. Climate change is driving the extreme heat, with scientists warning that this is a wake-up call to a new reality. Europe is the planet’s fastest-warming continent, heating at around two to three times the global average.

Consequences of Heat Wave

The heat wave has severe consequences, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. The heat trapped inside homes is particularly dangerous, as it builds up day after day, making indoor conditions steadily worse. The body’s ability to cool itself down is impaired, and the risk of heat-related illnesses increases.

Scientists warn that the heat wave is not just a natural phenomenon, but a consequence of human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. The heat wave is a reminder that climate change is real and that it’s essential to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate its effects.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.