Europe swelters under record-breaking heat wave
June 29, 2026
Q: Europe set new record high temperatures last week amid a scorching heat wave blamed for an estimated 1,300 deaths. Some schools, sporting events, music concerts, and tourist attractions were closed around the continent amid temperatures of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Where is Europe?
Circle the area on this map
Q: Europe is generally farther north than much of the United States. Why has it warmed faster than any other continent over the last 30 years?
A. Cleaner air
B. Less snow
C. Melting ice
D. All of the above
Q: Which nation had to cut its electric power output because the heat wave warmed the water it needs to cool its many nuclear reactors?
A. Britain
B. France
C. Germany
D. Italy
Q: Many Europeans have enjoyed a milder climate than in North America and live in older homes that are harder to air-condition. They are also concerned about adding greenhouse gases and pumping hot air from homes into city streets. Which continent has the biggest percentage of its people living in urban areas?
A. Asia
B. Europe
C. North America
D. South America
Q: Europe is 3.9 million square miles, bounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the North Atlantic to the west, the Mediterranean and Black seas to the south, and the Ural Mountains and Caspian Sea to the east. The name Europe is believed to come from ...
A. Asian mariners
B. Egyptian pharaohs
C. Greek mythology
D. Roman mapmakers
Answers for this quiz: Click here