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Under the 'heat dome': Europe's first heat wave of 2026

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Aaron Tilton
May 27, 2026

A "heat dome" is driving temperatures around Europe into record-breaking territory. France and Britain have already linked several deaths to the heat wave. Experts warn it could just be a taste of what's to come.

Europe is seeing temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting early swimming as residents seek relief.

From Paris to western Germany, people are struggling to stay cool and hydrated.

Experts warn the extreme heat poses serious health risks, with several deaths already reported in France.

In the UK, farmers say increasingly unpredictable weather is damaging crops, while scientists link more intense heat waves to human-driven climate change.

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