arts
Cruel summer: Punishing heat waves hit Europe, US, with a preview of what’s to come
By Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News
· July 1, 2026
· 6 min read
(CNN) — Summer has barely started in the Northern Hemisphere, but already it’s offering an oppressive preview of life on a hotter planet. Europe has endured two deadly, record-shattering heat waves in a matter of weeks, with a third on the way next week. Now, the United States is experiencing its ow
Key takeaway About 150 million people across the eastern half of the US are under heat alerts — nearly one in two Americans.
Why this matters in The Miami
Miami 's own experience with heat and humidity makes the current heat waves in Europe and the US particularly relatable. As a city prone to Atlantic hurricanes and sea-level rise, Miami is already grappling with the consequences of a warming planet. The strengthening of El Niño and record-high worldwide ocean temperatures, which are amplifying the heat, are also relevant to Miami's climate. With its large Latin American and Caribbean communities, Miami is a hub for people who may have experienced similar extreme weather events in their countries of origin. As the city looks to the future, it must consider how to protect its most vulnerable residents, including the elderly and outdoor workers, from the increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. Miami's existing efforts to address sea-level rise and flooding can inform its approach to mitigating the effects of extreme heat, and the city's experience can also serve as a model for other urban areas facing similar challenges.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (CNN) — Summer has barely started in the Northern Hemisphere, but already it’s offering an oppressive preview of life on a hotter planet. Europe has endured two deadly, record-shattering heat waves in a matter of weeks, with a third on the way next week. Now, the United States is experiencing its ow
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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