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A punishing heat wave broke records in southern Europe and hasn’t peaked yet in some places, prompting warnings to residents, employers and tourists to alter their habits.
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June 30, 2025, 3:38 p.m. ET
A heat wave sweeping much of Europe showed few signs of relenting on Monday, when temperatures soared past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.8 Celsius, in many places in the south.
In Italy, heat warnings were issued for 16 cities. And in France — still scarred by a 2003 heat wave that killed thousands — the prime minister canceled a trip to monitor the effects of the weather.
How bad is it? A nuclear reactor in southern France had to shut down, because discharging its heated water into an already-overheated river would have endangered wildlife.
Through it all, Europeans tried their best to bear up, especially in places where air conditioning is still a luxury, or frowned upon. Some people worry about the pollution it causes; some older Italians just believe it’s bad for health.
Governments tried to help, in some cases putting restrictions on outdoor work and sending municipal workers to check on elderly residents.
Tourists still bent on being outdoors struggled. In Rome, visitors wilted at cafes even as they were spritzed by outdoor misting fans. Some sought respite from the heat in cavernous ancient monuments, which didn’t always help.
