By: Katelyn Chen

For the last couple weeks, a heat wave has been spreading throughout Europe. “You just grin and bear it,” said Michael Finch, a 33-year-old lawyer who was pulling luggage, carrying a 5-liter water bottle and playing to type. “Make sure you have some water,” he advised, “and then look forward to getting out the other side.”

In Spain, the State Meteorological Agency called it the earliest major heat wave in more than 40 years, while authorities in France noted that they had never in recorded history surpassed 104 degrees (40 Celsius) this early in June. The world record is 134 degrees, Spain’s heat wave is only 30 degrees colder. According to the what I read, On Friday, dozens of weather stations in France recorded their hottest June temperatures on record, and this location observed their hottest-ever day on record: the town of Pissos in southwestern France hit 107 degrees (41.7 Celsius. That is only 27 degrees colder.

In Southern Spain, because of the heat wave, many baby birds died! “In southern Spain, hundreds of baby birds died after leaving their scorching nests too early. Scientists said Spain’s earliest heat wave had coincided with the hatching season for swifts, a protected species. Biologist Elena Moreno Portillo told the Guardian newspaper that the birds tend to build enclosed nests in the cavities of buildings, which are often made of concrete or metal. “So, it becomes an oven and the chicks, who can’t fly yet, rush out because they can’t stand the temperature inside,” Moreno Portillo said. “They’re literally being cooked.”

When people are in Europe, they always want to keep a handy water bottle. It could be very helpful when you least accept it. People will want to be very mindful about the weather when outside.