What to Know About the Heat Wave in Europe

Extreme heat is stifling Europe, where tens of millions of people are bracing for more days of dangerous temperatures.

The most severe conditions are in France, Italy, Portugal and Spain, and the heat is forecast to continue into midweek before it starts to subside across much of the continent.

Here’s what’s happening as the temperatures soar.

Which countries are affected?

There are widespread heat alerts across Europe.

Spain: AEMET, Spain’s state meteorological agency, said on Monday that there was a “significant risk” across much of the country as temperatures in some places seemed set to climb to 109 degrees. The mercury reached 114.8 on Saturday in El Granado, in the southwest — potentially a national record for June if validated.

France: Météo-France, the national weather service, described “scorching temperatures” on Sunday and said that the heat would move north. It expected temperatures around 104 degrees for several days in many places. The agency said that the heat wave would endure through this week, peaking near 105 across large parts of the country.

Italy: The Health Ministry put 16 cities on its highest-level heat alert on Monday, with 17 for Tuesday.

Britain: The country is in its second official heat wave of the year, and a heat alert at the amber level, the second highest, was issued for large parts of England through Wednesday morning.

Revelers returning from the Glastonbury music festival and tennis fans crowding into Wimbledon for the start of the tournament faced temperatures in the 90s.

Air-conditioning is rare in British homes, and many were designed to retain heat, making relief difficult.

How unusual is the heat?

Temperatures are well above seasonal norms. In Rome, summers typically experience average highs of 86. On Sunday afternoon, temperatures in Tor Vergata, a southeastern suburb, were close to 104.

But as the planet continues to warm, what was once rare has become normal. Meteorologists say that Europe should expect more and hotter heat waves as a result of climate change.

What are some safety tips for heat?

If air-conditioning is difficult to find, experts advise, use water to cool down. Staying hydrated is crucial, and dampening skin with mist or a wet towel can also help.

At home, experts suggest, limit sunlight, particularly in the afternoon, by blocking out windows with a blanket or dark sheet. Leaving windows open at night, where possible, and running fans are also tips.

Behavior matters, too. Try to avoid heavy exercise outdoors, and do not use a stove.

Experts also recommend staying alert to signs of heat exhaustion (which include heavy sweating, cold or clammy skin, a fast or weak pulse and fainting) and heat stroke (which can cause a body temperature of over 103, hot skin, confusion and fainting).

And keep pets and children cool by monitoring their activity, giving them water and cooling them off with wet towels.

Nazaneen Ghaffar contributed reporting.