Publication Date July 1, 2019 | Washington Post

Europe’s historic heat wave crushed more records this weekend, but it’s finally easing

France

The second pulse of a historic heat wave scorched Europe on Sunday and, only now, is starting to ease. The record-setting heat, occurring unusually early in the summer, will long be remembered for its intensity and scope.

Between Wednesday and Sunday, heat records were not just broken by a hair, but in many instances were shattered by multiple degrees.

Eight European countries experienced their highest recorded June temperature, including:

Czech Republic: 101.3 degrees (38.9 Celsius) in Doksany, breaking a record of 100.8 degrees in 2000.

France: 114.6 degrees (45.9 Celsius) in Gallargues-le-Montueux, surpassing 111.4 degrees set in 2003. This mark is not only unprecedented for June, but also any month of the year and is known as a record.

Germany: 103.3 degrees (39.6 Celsius) in Bernburg. The old record was 101.5 degrees set June 26 and before that 101.3 degrees in 1947.

Luxembourg: 98.2 degrees (36.8 Celsius) in Petange, breaking the old record of 97 degrees in 2017.

Poland: 100.8 degrees (38.2 Celsius) in Radzyn, which broke a record of 100.4 from 1935.

Principality of Andorra: 100 degrees (37.8 Celsius) in Borda Vidal. The record had been 96.8 degrees in 1935.

Lichtenstein and Switzerland also broke their June temperature records Sunday, according to Weather Underground.

In addition to the national records set, hundreds of cities and municipalities in Western and Central Europe set June and all-time records.

On Sunday alone, more than 30 locations in Central Europe — many in Germany — set all-time heat records, Weather Underground reported.

In France, where vineyards were left scorched by heat, 13 weather stations broke the country’s all-time heat record of 111.4 degrees (44.1 Celsius) Friday, including three by at least one degree.

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At least 10 people are confirmed dead from the heat, with the toll expected to rise.