Where extreme heat is having the biggest impact on Americans’ lives, according to a new AP-NORC poll

An intense heatwave across Europe has resulted in an estimated 1,000 excess deaths in France, primarily among older individuals, according to the French public health agency. This heatwave, ongoing since June 20, is forecast to affect at least 191 million people across the continent, with temperatures reaching at least 35 degrees Celsius in countries including Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. While the extreme weather conditions have lessened in most of France, some northeastern areas remain under advisory. The French Health Minister indicated the heatwave's impact could persist for up to ten days. In Germany, at least seven people died in swimming accidents over the weekend as people sought relief from the heat.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Europe's early summer heatwave has been linked to over 1,300 excess deaths since June 21st. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that Europe is not prepared for such high temperatures, which are causing heat stress and contributing to fatalities, particularly among those over 65. Temperature records were broken across the continent, including in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, as the extreme heat moved eastward. France's health ministry noted approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday. Ghebreyesus highlighted that Europe is warming at twice the global average, leading to widespread extreme heat, school closures, and strain on power grids.

France recorded approximately 1,000 additional deaths last week during a record-breaking heat wave, according to its public health agency. The extreme temperatures also led to new records in Germany, with a nighttime high of 29.4°C and a daytime high of 41.5°C. Wildfires broke out in Germany, and Berlin police used water cannons to cool crowds. A study by World Weather Attribution concluded that climate change made such heat and humidity virtually impossible just five decades ago. The World Health Organization warned that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with 150 million people currently under extreme heat warnings and hundreds of deaths reported. The majority of deaths in France were among individuals aged 65 and above.

European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera stated that the current heatwave across Europe is a "dramatic warning" to reject climate denial. She criticized those who heed "ideologically driven lies" from fossil fuel industry vested interests over scientific consensus and public interest. Ribera highlighted that record temperatures are causing chaos, including wildfires, excess deaths, and disruptions to infrastructure and daily life. She argued that public support for green policies remains strong, as people prioritize clean air and water over polluted environments. Ribera emphasized that Europe's economic future lies in renewable energy and urged continued acceleration of the transition to a low-carbon economy to build resilience against a hotter reality.

A severe heatwave is impacting Europe, with temperatures reaching record highs for June and causing deaths and significant disruptions. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of these heatwaves to the climate crisis, noting that Europe is warming at twice the global average rate. The extreme heat has led to at least 40 drownings in France as people sought to cool off, along with heat-related fatalities among the elderly and children. Public services are strained, with school closures, advisories against non-essential rail travel, and concerns over energy and water supplies. The heatwave is driven by a heat dome sustained by an omega block weather pattern, trapping hot air over Western Europe.

France has recorded 40 drowning deaths linked to the ongoing heatwave since last Thursday, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Temperatures have reached record highs across several European countries, with France, Spain, and Italy experiencing the most severe impacts. France set records for its hottest June day and night, with over half the country under a red alert. In Spain, temperatures are expected to exceed 40C in some regions, and the country is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with June heatwaves becoming more frequent. Italy has issued red heatwave alerts in 15 cities, indicating significant health risks. French officials are urging caution regarding swimming in unsupervised areas during the heatwave.

A severe heatwave is impacting Europe, with France experiencing its hottest night on record and parts of Spain seeing overnight temperatures above 30C. In France, 40 people have drowned in unsupervised swimming areas since June 18, with most victims being young people, prompting a crisis meeting by the prime minister. Météo-France has issued red heatwave alerts for 54 departments, and the transport network in the Paris region is under strain. The heat is attributed to a slow-moving mass of hot air drawing warmth from North Africa. The UK is also bracing for record temperatures, with the UN chief describing London as "cooking." Italy has placed 15 cities under a red heat alert, and Spain has widespread heat alerts, with some areas experiencing prolonged nights above 30C.

Central Europe is experiencing record-breaking heat as a heat wave moves across the continent. Switzerland, Denmark, and the Czech Republic have all reported their hottest days on record, with temperatures reaching as high as 40.6 C (105 F) in the Czech Republic. Germany's transportation infrastructure has been severely impacted, with Autobahn damage and advisories against nonessential train travel. In France, hospitals are under pressure from heat-related emergencies, leading to the postponement of the Paris Pride march. A new study suggests that this extreme heat would have been virtually impossible without climate change, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.

Swiss glaciers are experiencing alarming melt rates due to a persistent heatwave, according to Matthias Huss, head of Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland (Glamos). The snow and ice accumulated last winter is expected to have completely melted by Monday, marking the second-earliest "glacier loss day" on record, with only 2022 being earlier. This rapid melting, described as "enormous ablation," is occurring three months ahead of a healthy state for glaciers. The situation is exacerbated by a winter with poor snowfall and previous warm periods, leading to significant ice loss. Since 2000, Swiss glaciers have shrunk by 38%, and Huss warns that if warming continues, only small remnants will remain by 2100.

Europe is experiencing a sharp rise in electricity prices due to a heatwave. Record high temperatures are increasing demand as millions use air conditioning and electric fans. Simultaneously, power generation is falling across the continent. In Great Britain, imported electricity prices on Tuesday exceeded six times the normal rate. This surge is attributed to slowed wind speeds impacting renewable energy generation and outages at multiple gas plants struggling in extreme temperatures. France is also facing challenges with nuclear plant cooling due to high river temperatures. These combined factors have pushed market prices to multi-year highs across European markets.

Paris is preparing for an exceptionally large Fête de la Musique on Sunday, expecting over 2 million attendees, including a significant influx of UK music fans. This annual free street music festival, now in its 40th year, has become a major international cultural event. Following incidents of sexual violence and public space issues last year, authorities have implemented expanded safety measures. These include designated safe spaces for women and disabled individuals, and warnings about waterways due to recent fatalities. The city has also increased sanitation efforts with more bins and accessible toilets, and will provide 1,400 water fountains to combat expected heatwave conditions.

Western Europe is experiencing its second heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C in many regions. In France, over half the population is under a severe weather warning, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to call for "extreme vigilance" and care for vulnerable individuals. The heatwave has already led to a death near Paris, train cancellations, and rescheduled exams. Météo-France has issued an orange alert for 53 departments, warning of a "widespread, prolonged and intense" heatwave that could approach all-time high national heat index records. Spain is also facing persistently high temperatures, likely to exceed 35C across the Iberian peninsula, while south-west Germany is forecast to reach 36C.