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A heat wave affecting much of Western Europe and the United Kingdom began in mid-July 2022, setting all-time high temperatures across the region. The soaring temperatures caused a string of wildfires to break out across Europe, and the high temperatures caused hundreds of deaths across Spain and Portugal. The United Kingdom issued its first ever "red" level temperature warning, and several towns were evacuated in Portugal and France.

Climatologists linked the extreme heat to the impact of climate change, and experts predict that changes in the jet stream as a result of climate change will cause heat waves with increasing frequency in Europe.

France
In July, an estimated total of more than 10,000 ha were burnt by wildfires in Gironde, causing a total of over 12,000 people to be evacuated.

Ireland
On 13 July, Met Éireann issued a high temperature advisory for Ireland, with temperatures forecast to reach the high twenties and possibly exceeding 30 C from Sunday 17 to Tuesday 19 July.

On 15 July, Met Éireann issued a Status Yellow high temperature warning for Ireland, with "exceptionally" high temperatures possibly up to 32 C forecast.

Portugal
In July, over 3,000 ha were burnt by wildfires in Leiria, blocking a part of the A1 which runs from Porto to Lisbon. In Algarve, a fire broke out in the city of Faro, which spread to the Quinta do Lago resort. According to the Civil Protection Authority, at least 135 people have been injuried since wildfires began, and about 800 people have been evacuated from their homes. A pilot died when his waterbombing plane crashed in Vila Nova de Foz Côa while combating wildfires in the region. At least 238 people died due to heat, and later the number of injuries rose to 187. By July 17, the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health reported some 659 excess deaths related to the heat wave.

Spain
In July, Extremadura experienced wildfires which spread to Salamanca in Castile and León and burnt more than 4,000 ha.

On 14 July, the Carlos III Health Institute said that at least 43 people had died on 10 and 11 July from the heat.

On 16 July, it was reported that at least 360 people died between 10 July and 15 July due to heat.

On 17 July a wildfire was declared in el Pont de Vilomara, in central Catalonia.

Netherlands
On 18 July, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute issued a code orange heat warning for the central and southern provinces of the Netherlands, with forecasted temperatures of 36° C in central provinces and 38-39° C in the south on Tuesday, 19 July. . The Netherlands experienced temperatures surpassing 40° C for the first time in recorded history in 2019.

Norway
The Norwegian Meteorological Institute reported that several areas may reach temperatures higher than 30°C. In Stavanger, temperatures will reach 32°C. However, the Meteorological Insitute does not belive any national records will be broken.

United Kingdom
On 8 July, the Met Office issued a heat-health alert in parts of England and Wales. On 15 July, the UKHSA increased the Heatwave Alert Level to 4, which means "illness and death occurring among the fit and healthy - and not just in high-risk groups", triggering a national emergency. The Met Office issued its first ever red extreme heat warning after there were forecasts of over 40 C in some parts of England, and a national emergency was declared. The warning is in place for 18 to 19 July, with most of England being affected.

The amber extreme heat warning was extended to cover Cornwall, west Wales and parts of southern Scotland. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen stated that there was a 50% chance there will be temperatures over 40 °C and an 80% chance of a new record temperature. A number of schools announced they would either close or allow pupils to wear PE kit in place of their school uniform on the hottest days. Transport for London urged people to make only essential journeys on 18 and 19 July.

The GMB union called for improved work conditions during the heat waves, especially for physical workers. The union said workers shouldn't work on temperatures higher than 25 C, should be allowed to wear more casual clothing, have more breaks, and work from home when their job allows them to do so.