Europe Heat Wave Brings Record Temperatures to Barcelona
Barcelona experienced its hottest June since records began in 1914, Spain’s national weather service announced Tuesday, as an early Europe heat wave continues to grip the continent.
The Fabra Observatory in Barcelona reported an average temperature of 26°C (78°F) for June, breaking the previous record of 25.6°C set in 2003. The same station recorded a single-day high of 37.9°C (100°F) on Monday, June 30, underscoring the severity of this year’s heat wave.
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Unusual Heat Strikes Normally Cooler Regions
Barcelona’s position between hills and the Mediterranean usually shields it from Spain’s most extreme heat. But as the Europe heat wave intensified, even the Catalan capital was not spared.
Health warnings remained in effect Tuesday across several EU countries despite temperatures beginning to ease in parts of the region. Meanwhile, punishing highs of 40°C (104°F) were forecast in Paris, with unusually elevated temperatures continuing in Belgium and the Netherlands.
New National Heat Records Set Across Spain
Spain saw its highest June temperature ever recorded on Saturday, with 46°C (114°F) in the southern province of Huelva. On Sunday, Spain’s national average temperature of 28°C (82°F) set a new record high for June 29 since data collection began in 1950.
“This Europe heat wave is very intense, arriving early in the summer and clearly linked to global warming,” said Ramón Pascual, regional delegate for Spain’s weather service in Barcelona, in an interview with The Associated Press.
France Issues Red Alerts as Schools Close
In France, the national weather agency Météo-France placed multiple departments, including the Paris region, under the highest red alert. The Europe heat wave prompted authorities to partially or fully close more than 1,300 schools on Tuesday, the French Education Ministry said.
These school closures come as temperatures are forecast to intensify further, highlighting the widespread impact of extreme heat on daily life across Europe.
Contrasting Conditions in Portugal
While much of Europe struggles with the Europe heat wave, temperatures in Portugal were on the decline, with no new red heat warnings issued there. However, officials remain cautious as hot conditions are expected to persist elsewhere on the continent.
Experts Link Heat Wave to Climate Change
Scientists and meteorologists stress that human-caused climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like the Europe heat wave.
“These record-breaking temperatures reinforce what we know about the dangers of climate change,” Pascual said. “Heat waves like this are expected to become more common and more severe.”
