Extreme Heat Disrupts Infrastructure and Travel Across Europe and North America

Extreme heat events have been impacting infrastructure across Europe and North America. In May, temperatures topped 95 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of Europe, including France, Spain, Switzerland, and Britain. In France, attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower restricted their hours, and daytime walking tours were canceled. A subsequent heat wave strained infrastructure, leading to grounded flights and suspended rail services across France, Britain, and Germany.

The extreme weather events are highlighting the operational risks posed by climate change to established infrastructure. The heat has led to widespread wildfires in Canada and smoke engulfing major cities in the United States. These events are transforming climate change from an abstract concept into a tangible operational risk for travel.