The “heat dome” behind the record-breaking temperatures in Europe was moving east on Friday, bringing marginal relief to some areas in the west and threatening parts of Central and Eastern Europe with a scorching weekend.

The heat wave, Europe’s second in two months, has disrupted daily life for millions and contributed to at least some deaths. Temperature records for June, and in some cases for any time of year, were broken in Britain, France, the Netherlands and elsewhere.

Though temperatures have begun to fall slightly in Britain, Belgium and parts of France, the sweltering conditions are by no means over there.

The heat has tested Europe’s infrastructure, much of which was designed for a pre-climate-change world. Electricity grids and rail transportation have been put under strain in several countries, and various public events have been canceled. In Paris, the authorities are suspending sports events and imposing a temporary ban on buying alcohol or drinking it in public, hoping to ease the strain on the health care system.

Europe has been heating up fast.

Scientists have no doubt that heat waves around the world are becoming hotter, more frequent and longer-lasting, and Europe is warming faster than any other continent.

In 2025, almost the entire continent was hotter than normal. Researchers estimate that in recent years, Europe has seen tens of thousands of heat-related deaths annually.

Many homes, schools and businesses across Europe were built for an older, cooler climate. In Britain, many were even built to retain heat, making cooling off amid heat waves especially difficult. Air-conditioning is not a quick fix. In France, installing such systems has become a political flashpoint, while in Britain, high energy prices deter many.

Even in hotter Mediterranean cities, where old-fashioned courtyards, heavy shutters and white-stone facades can keep homes cool, many newer buildings have been constructed using techniques that trap heat.

How to cool off.

Staying cool and hydrating often are the two most important things to do to avoid feeling sick and discomfort in extreme heat. Here are some other ways to keep cool:

• Block out the windows in your home — especially those that get afternoon sun — with a blanket or a darker sheet during the day to keep the heat out. At night, keep windows open and run fans to circulate the air.

• Spritz your skin with a mist of cool or room-temperature water or wipe your forehead with a cool cloth. Cold showers can also help you cool down.

• If you need to be outdoors, put ice cubes in your water bottle and drink cool liquids. If you plan to exercise, douse your head in cold water. Swimming is also a great way to exercise and keep cool.

• When exploring or sightseeing, seek out cooler attractions such as museums, cathedrals or even subterranean exhibitions. Some cities have created public spaces to cool down: Barcelona has climate shelters and Paris has drinking fountains, for example. London has a Cool Spaces map to find spots.

• Watch out for signs of heat stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists some of them as dizziness, a rapid pulse, nausea, headache and fainting. But symptoms can vary.