Heat Wave Sweeps across Spain, Portugal, and France in June

The Guardian reported that a searing heat wave swept across Spain, Portugal, and France mid-June. The exceptionally high temperatures occurred unusually early, and followed the warmest May on record for France and the hottest for Spain in at least 100 years. The sizzling heat placed intense pressure on vulnerable groups and pushed up the demand for electricity for air conditioning. Météo France, the French weather bureau, stressed that this was the earliest hot spell ever to hit the country, worsening a drought caused by unusually dry weather in winter and spring, and raising the risk of wildfires.
The temperature peaked at 41.6ºC in Badajoz, Spain, and 40ºC was recorded in parts of Portugal. The temperature in Seville, Spain, topped 41.6ºC. Temperatures of up to 39ºC were reached in Paris, France. The southwest of France was the most affected part of the country. “Be alert! Hydrate, stay in cool areas, and stay in touch with those close to you,” French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne tweeted.