Heat Dome Brings High Temperatures and Some Event Changes Across Parts of Europe

A heat dome of slow-moving high-pressure air has settled over Europe, producing high temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the continent. The UK Met Office forecast temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, a level that would set a new June record for the country. France has placed about half the country under a red alert.

French authorities have canceled trains, concerts and sporting events and restricted public alcohol consumption. Rail operators across Europe have reduced services to prevent track buckling, and several nuclear plants have been shut down. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a keynote address at London Climate Action Week on Tuesday.

Organizers canceled multiple sessions at the London event because venues lacked air conditioning or transport links failed. Earthwatch Europe called off family wildlife activities in Hammersmith Park. The Climate Majority Project shifted its program online after co-director Rupert Read, who has a heart condition, decided against travel.

Katie Glaze, sustainability director at Brookbanks, canceled nine planned sessions on building adaptation after transport problems arose. Charlotte Baker, who has severe asthma, also stayed away to avoid pollen and pollution risks. Train operators advised against non-essential journeys after overnight thunderstorms caused flooding on several London lines.

The nine-day festival had been expected to draw 75,000 participants across more than 1,000 events. The UK government recorded more than 1,500 heat-linked deaths last year, with elderly residents the most affected group. France has reported around 40 drowning deaths during the heatwave as people sought relief in water.