Another heat wave set to envelop much of Europe

Another stifling heat wave is on tap this week for large portions of Europe, including most of France, Spain, Portugal, and Britain. Unlike the first heat wave that occurred at the end of June and into early July, this event is likely to also affect Scandinavia, which experienced extreme heat and a spate of related wildfires last year.

As of Monday morning eastern time, Meteo France was predicting that Paris’ all-time hottest temperature of 104.7 degrees will fall on Thursday. The previous record has stood since 1947. Computer model projections show the heat wave, known in French as La Canicule, could last in Paris and much of the country through Friday.

Hot and dry conditions are driving the wildfire risk upwards particularly across Spain and Portugal, according to the Copernicus Climate Service in Europe.

The early summer heat wave set a national all-time high temperature record for France. Meteo France certified a record of 115 degrees, observed in Verargues, located in southern France, as the country’s hottest temperature seen to date.

This was the first time in modern history that the 113-degree threshold has been exceeded, the World Meteorological Organization stated in a press release.

Unlike the previous heat wave this summer, this one will also envelop the United Kingdom, where forecasters for the Met Office are warning of the possibility that all-time record high temperatures could be set through Thursday, particularly in central and eastern England where the heat will last the longest.

Today, locations in southeastern England could hit 93 degrees, including in London. By Thursday, the July high temperature record of 98 degrees, as well as the all-time U.K. temperature record of 101.3 degrees, could be tied or exceeded, the Met Office warns.

The new heat wave will also extend its reach into other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, among other countries.