Heat wave grips Europe, triggering alerts and disruptions

Key Points:

• Europe is experiencing a severe heat wave driven by hot air from the Sahara, creating a "heat dome" over Western and Central Europe during the summer solstice, marking the start of the region’s hottest months.
• France has placed about a third of its departments on red alert, with significant disruptions to the rail network and public events, including a ban on public alcohol consumption in affected areas.
• Germany faces temperatures up to 39°C with severe thunderstorms expected; the Berlin Open tennis final was suspended due to weather, and authorities warned against swimming in rivers and lakes after multiple drownings.
• Italy and Spain have issued red and orange heat alerts, with temperatures exceeding 35°C in Italy and 39-40°C in Spain, leading to event cancellations and warnings that the heat wave will persist through midweek.
• Heat waves in Europe have been deadly, causing over 200,000 heat-related deaths in the last four years, highlighting ongoing public health concerns amid rising temperatures.