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Heat Dome Drives Record 35°C European Wave, 212 Deaths

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

A three-day heatwave pushed temperatures above 35 °C across western and central Europe, breaking records in France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Scientists said such extreme heat would have been virtually impossible half a century ago without human-driven climate change.
Spain reported 212 heat-related deaths during the four-day period.
Researchers identified a Sahara-sourced heat dome as the driver, noting no influence from the developing El Niño.

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Story summary

A three-day heatwave pushed temperatures above 35 °C across western and central Europe, breaking records in France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Scientists said such extreme heat would have been virtually impossible half a century ago without human-driven climate change.
Spain reported 212 heat-related deaths during the four-day period.
Researchers identified a Sahara-sourced heat dome as the driver, noting no influence from the developing El Niño.