France Under a Dangerous Heat Dome

Even before the meteorological summer has officially begun, France is experiencing weather conditions that were previously associated more with the midsummer months of July or August. Temperatures well above 35 degrees Celsius, an exceptionally stable high-pressure system, and now additionally a rapid deterioration in air quality are placing the country under a dual burden. While the population suffers from the early heatwave, ozone levels are simultaneously rising to health-critical levels…