‘It’s getting hotter and it’s not stopping’: dealing with the heat in five of Europe’s capitals
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- A "heat dome" caused by a high-pressure weather front has pushed temperatures in parts of Europe more than 10°C above normal for May, breaking heat records and creating summer-like conditions in spring.
- The unusual heatwave is linked to human-caused climate change, which intensifies extreme weather events, causing deadly heat spikes at unexpected times and places.
- Residents and tourists in cities like Madrid, Paris, London, Dublin, and Berlin report struggling with the heat, lacking adequate cooling infrastructure such as air conditioning, and expressing concerns about the future impacts of climate change.
- Many locals and visitors are adapting by seeking shade, hydrating frequently, and altering daily routines, while some express anxiety about the long-term consequences of rising temperatures on health, comfort, and the environment.
- The heatwave highlights the urgent need for cities to prepare for more frequent and intense heat events through urban planning, increased green spaces, and better public cooling facilities.