Europe's Record Heatwave: UK, France Break Records, Ireland Nears 1887 High of 33.3°C
Europe is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, with the UK and France setting new temperature highs, and Ireland nearing its 1887 record. This is driven by a humid «heat dome» and human-induced climate change, leading to increased heat-related deaths. Urgent adaptation and stronger government commitment to climate action are crucial as extreme summers become more frequent.
Europe experienced a severe heatwave, with the UK breaking its all-time June temperature record, and France recording its hottest day and night since records began, exceeding 44 degrees Celsius. These extreme temperatures, indicative of human-induced climate change, represent a «topping up» of 2-4 degrees on typical heatwave conditions.
Ireland recorded two hot spells in four weeks, with Athenry, Co Galway, reaching 32.1 degrees Celsius on Thursday, close to the national record of 33.3 degrees Celsius set in 1887. The warming land and oceans suggest that summers frequently exceeding 30 degrees Celsius are imminent, necessitating urgent adaptation plans.
The heatwave was caused by a «heat dome» — a large anticyclone over Europe compressing and heating air. This week's heat dome was uniquely humid due to an Atlantic component mixing with North African air, likely elevating the death toll. Heat-related deaths are now the primary cause of climate-extreme-related deaths in Europe; 16,500 of 24,400 heat-related deaths in European cities last year were attributed to climate change. Over 100 premature deaths are expected in Ireland from this heatwave.
Following 15,000 deaths in the 2003 Paris heatwave, France implemented a detailed protection program, including cool refuges and temporary alcohol bans. Ireland's climate action offices are ready to assist with adaptation, but require greater government commitment. Ireland's climate change efforts lag, with only a 5% emission reduction since 1990, compared to the EU average of 40%. Upcoming legislation, such as removing the Dublin Airport cap and facilitating a gas terminal in Kerry, will increase emissions, bypassing Climate Act compliance.
The future frequency and severity of such heat spells depend on the jet stream, which is weakening as the Arctic warms four times faster than the global average. This weakening temperature gradient is linked to increased heat dome formation. Arctic summer sea ice hit its lowest level for this time of year in 45 years this week, declining by an area equivalent to Austria annually.