Europeans have not yet recovered from the shock of the extreme heat wave that swept the continent, leaving its impact even after it subsided. Europe recorded its highest temperatures in history in June, exceeding 40°C in many countries. While Southern European countries are more accustomed to and prepared for extreme heat waves, this phenomenon is new to Western and Central European countries, which are not equipped to handle such high temperatures. This was evident in the immediate effects of the heat wave and the death toll, which approached 1,300 deaths according to the World Health Organization since June 21, nearly a thousand of them in France alone.

The recent heat wave exposed the weakness of Europe's infrastructure, especially in the health and transport sectors, and its lack of preparedness or ability to adapt to such high temperatures. Hospitals in France nearly collapsed under the pressure of patients suffering from heatstroke, while trains stopped operating in Germany and highways were closed after asphalt melted and damage to railway tracks and traffic signals. Schools in Britain, Germany, France, and several other European countries were forced to close their doors to students because buildings were not ready to deal with extreme heat. Despite heat waves recurring annually in Europe for years, the latest one was the most severe, and 'it would have been impossible without climate change,' according to a study by the World Weather Attribution initiative.

The Heat Dome

France was the main hub of the extreme heat wave in Europe, which began on June 20, and was the most affected country, experiencing the greatest number of hot days compared to other countries. The 'heat dome' formed over its skies and remained there for about 7 days, expanding to include other Southern European countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy, then extending to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Britain, and eventually reaching Central and Eastern Europe, including Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. Although the 'heat dome' phenomenon is not new, it has never been so intense in Europe. This weather phenomenon occurs when a strong high-pressure system sits over a large area for several days, becoming like a lid or dome that traps hot air near the ground. The danger lies in temperatures remaining high even at night, preventing people and buildings from releasing the heat accumulated during the day. Indeed, during the heat wave, temperatures reached record highs at night, sometimes not dropping below 30°C, prompting experts to speak of something akin to 'tropical nights' in Europe.

Climate change does not cause this phenomenon but contributes to making it more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting. According to meteorologists at the University of Reading in Britain, two factors are making 'heat domes' a recurring summer crisis in Europe: first, climate change has raised ground temperatures, meaning that when a 'heat dome' forms, it starts from higher baseline temperatures, accelerating the reach of extreme temperatures. The second factor relates to the movement of upper-level winds, or the 'jet stream,' which has changed due to rising temperatures in the Arctic.

Because Europe is close to the Arctic, where temperatures are rising at a rate 3 to 4 times the global average, this also accelerates temperature rise in Europe. According to climate experts, Europe is experiencing a temperature increase at twice the global average rate, making it vulnerable to 'heat dome' systems.

European governments are aware of the link between climate change and the increasing severity of extreme heat waves on the continent. Governments and the European Union have approved plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but commitment is uneven across European countries. Europe is trying to increase its reliance on alternative energy and expand green spaces, among other steps, but the war in Ukraine and concerns over energy security have led many countries to postpone plans to close heavily polluting coal mines. Moreover, successive economic crises from the coronavirus pandemic to the war in Ukraine have increased pressures on European economies, prompting many governments to delay costly climate plans for fear of increasing public anger.

An attic apartment in Paris closed its windows with cloth to keep heat out during the extreme heat wave in June 2026 (AFP)

Economic Impacts

But extreme heat waves also carry devastating economic impacts for European countries. The lack of a culture of air conditioning and insufficient infrastructure capable of adapting to high temperatures will reduce productivity and increase financial burdens on individuals, according to several studies. A study by the German insurer Allianz found that heat waves could cost Germany more than $130 billion by 2030. The study added that rising temperatures reduce productivity and increase energy prices, affecting businesses and investments. It estimated that productivity could drop by 3% for every degree above 30°C. The study concluded that 'adapting economies to extreme heat will become a key factor in competitiveness.'

German police spray water in front of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin to allow attendees of American singer Bruno Mars' concert to cool down during the extreme heat wave on June 28 (AFP)

The Necessity of Adapting to Extreme Heat

The study outlines four areas that need to be addressed to enable European economies to adapt to extreme heat: first, regulating work; second, equipping buildings; third, managing public spending; and fourth, providing better support for families. On the first point, the report notes that there are no strong rules in all countries specifying when work should stop due to heat, leaving many workers unprotected. It recommends setting mandatory temperature thresholds at which work should be reduced or stopped, and compensating workers for lost hours.

The report discusses the second area, buildings, noting that most European buildings are not designed to withstand heat; on the contrary, they are built to trap heat inside. This requires, according to the study, designing new buildings that do not heat up easily, retrofitting old buildings to stay cooler, and providing cooling for vulnerable groups. It points out that only about 20% of buildings in Europe are equipped with air conditioning, most of which are public buildings, not private homes. Even hospitals, nursing homes, kindergartens, and schools are not air-conditioned, making patients, the elderly, and children the most at risk during extreme heat.

In the third area, the report calls on governments to develop long-term plans for adaptation to heat rather than only responding during crises, because that means each heat wave 'bites' into the budget instead of having prior investment in solutions. This was indeed evident, especially in transportation infrastructure, both roads and railways, which suffered melting.