US heat wave drives record temperatures and health alerts across North America and Europe

A high‑pressure dome over the western United States has pushed temperatures to as high as 104 °F (40 °C) in the Rockies, Oregon and California, with forecasts of further spikes this weekend. The extreme heat is compounded in Florida by a Saharan dust plume that raises the apparent temperature and worsens air quality. Meanwhile, a slow‑moving front is generating severe thunderstorms and flood‑risk rains across the central and eastern states, prompting flood warnings in eight states.

In Europe, Germany’s Hessian region is expecting up to 36 °C, with a summer death toll of 600 linked to heat. Hospitals in Mainz warn that older and chronically ill patients are especially vulnerable, and that existing hospital infrastructure lacks adequate cooling. Studies published in Nature Health show that heatwaves increase psychiatric admissions by up to 5.6 % over nine days, affecting dementia, anxiety and personality disorders.

Health agencies advise the public to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat, seek shade, wear light clothing, and keep indoor spaces cool. Specific guidance is also given for people on antidepressants, who may experience worsened side‑effects in temperatures above 30 °C. Across the affected regions, authorities stress preparation for prolonged heat, emphasizing the combined threat of heat stress, flood risk and mental‑health impacts.