All articles tagged with #heatwave
Deadly wildfires in Spain’s Almería region amid a heatwave have left at least 12 people dead and 23 missing, as authorities evacuate towns and firefighters work to contain the blazes.
A massive upper-level heat dome anchored over Western and Southwestern Europe is trapping hot, dry air and driving temperatures well above normal into mid-July, with Iberia and France already recording 40°C-plus days, tropical nights in major cities, worsening soil moisture deficits, and escalating wildfire risk as the pattern expands north and east toward the UK, Ireland, and central Europe.
A 17-year-old girl mistook dehydration headaches during a heatwave for dehydration, but a CT scan revealed a slow-growing brain tumor (a dermoid cyst). She had a craniotomy to remove it, but three blood vessels were cut during surgery, causing a stroke and paralysis on her left side. After months of physiotherapy, she regained movement and even resumed dancing; her family is fundraising for intensive private neurorehabilitation as NHS rehab limits posed challenges.
Ongoing heatwaves are shadowed by a large cool patch in the North Atlantic known as the “cold blob,” which scientists think may signal changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Fresh Greenland meltwater and altered heat exchange could slow the sinking of warm water, weakening AMOC and nudging the jet stream, potentially bringing more European heatwaves in the near term while raising the possibility of colder European conditions if the current weakens further. The science is still debated on exact causes and timing, but climate models generally project some AMOC weakening this century, underscoring the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate risk.
A record heatwave has sparked dozens of wildfires across Portugal, Spain, France and Greece, burning thousands of hectares and prompting mass evacuations while authorities restrict Tour de France spectators; firefighters warn conditions will worsen as temperatures surge toward 40C, with climate change linked to the increased fire risk and a long, challenging fire season ahead.
A wildfire in the French Pyrenees near Perpignan forced the evacuation of more than 10,000 people from over a dozen towns as record heat and strong winds push the blaze across about 4,600 hectares; authorities warn winds could worsen and the EU will deploy aircraft to help, with Spain also contending with fires amid a continuing heatwave and near-40C temperatures in SW France, affecting events like the Tour de France.
A dangerous US heatwave has killed dozens, including at least 22 in New Jersey, as daily highs exceed 100F in more than 20 states and over 140 million people remain under heat alerts; deaths have been reported in Illinois and Mississippi, with officials warning the heat is life-threatening and urging hydration and time in air-conditioned environments, while cooling is expected in coming days ahead of major events like the World Cup final in New Jersey and Independence Day celebrations; scientists link these extremes to the climate crisis.
Stages 3 (Les Angles) and 4 in the Tour de France are at risk of cancellation due to a wildfire in Pyrénées-Orientales and forecast heat up to around 41°C; officials say a decision will be made by the end of the day as emergency services and safety protocols are mobilized to determine whether the race can proceed.
Heat warnings and wildfires in southern France endanger Tour de France stages 3 and 4, with Stage 3’s final 44km run without spectators as authorities consider cancellation due to code red heat warnings in Pyrenees-Orientales and Occitanie.
A record-setting heatwave is suspected in at least 25 deaths across the Deep South, Midwest and East Coast as temperatures top 100F and heat alerts cover roughly 156 million people; the heat disrupted Fourth of July events, prompted emergency aid for heat-related illnesses at venues like Washington, D.C.'s National Mall, and contributed to widespread power outages and storm threats. Forecasters expect a cooldown from the north in the coming days, but dangerous overnight warmth and humidity will persist.
Extreme heat and severe storms prompted officials to evacuate crowds from the National Mall and direct visitors to designated shelters ahead of a planned Fourth of July speech, with thunderstorms, power outages and a code purple air quality alert complicating celebrations across the D.C. area; fireworks were still planned for around 10:30 p.m.
PJM, the largest U.S. power-grid operator, activated a federal alert to cut electricity use amid generator outages and heavy air-conditioning demand during a heatwave, ordering utilities to curtail load as transmission lines become congested and wholesale prices surge.
A sweeping heatwave across the Midwest and Northeast has knocked out electricity to more than 842,000 homes, with total outages approaching a million as crews race to restore service amid record heat. The strain on the grid comes as heat indexes reach 110–115°F in some areas, prompting the cancellation of Independence Day parades/events and disrupting travel (Amtrak), while sparking national debate over energy infrastructure, renewables vs. nuclear, and how best to bolster resilience against climate change.
US marks its 250th birthday amid a blistering heatwave that has left hundreds of thousands without power, forced cancellations or delays of major events from Washington to New York, and sparked a clash between America250 and Freedom 250 as Trump promotes a long Independence Day rally and other performances nationwide.
Extreme heat in the DC region forces cancellation of the Independence Day Parade and several nearby parades, while the Salute to America on the National Mall is adjusted for heat with viewing zones opening at 5 p.m.; fireworks are still planned around 10:30 p.m. as storms and heat risk loom. Transit and security adjustments are in place, including a Reagan National ground stop and Metro changes, with officials urging heat safety for spectators and participants.