As we start July, Europe is finally getting some relief for a brutal heat-wave, the second one of the year. This 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 barely broken, but in many instances were shattered by several degrees.

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

·        Czech Republic: 101.3

·        France: 114.6. (An all-time high temperature for country)

·        Germany: 103.3

·        Luxembourg: 98.2

·        Poland: 100.8

On Sunday alone, more than 30 locations in Central Europe, many in Germany, set all-time heat records. In France, vineyards were left scorched by the intense heat. The country had 13 weather stations break the country’s all-time heat record of 111.4 degrees Friday, including three by at least one degree.

France is now one of seven European nations to reach temperatures of at least 113 degrees according to the Australian. Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Portugal and Spain are the other countries.

Farther north, the United Kingdom got in on the heat as well. London’s Heathrow Airport and other parts of the city reached 93.2 degrees this past weekend, which was just shy of a June record of 96 degrees.

In Spain, the heat contributed to one of the most substantial wildfires in two decades. Madrid broke its previous June temperature record on three straight days, Thursday to Saturday with temperatures of 104 to 106 degrees. Major fires were also reported in southern France as dried vegatation easily sparked.

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

Europe’s five hottest summers in the past 500 years have happened in the past 15 years. The World Meteorological Organization also said last week that this event is “absolutely consistent” with climate change.