Imagine temperatures climbing well above 100 degrees.

Now imagine experiencing that heat without air conditioning.

For millions of people across Europe, that’s becoming a reality.

This summer, countries across the continent have experienced record-breaking temperatures. France recently recorded one of its hottest days on record, while England experienced its hottest June day in history. And unlike many heat waves, the temperatures often remain high long after the sun goes down, making it much harder for people and buildings to cool off overnight.

That creates a unique challenge.

Unlike many homes in the United States, most European buildings were never designed with widespread air conditioning in mind. For generations, Europe’s generally moderate climate simply didn’t require it. Today, only a small percentage of homes have air conditioning, compared to roughly 90% of homes in the United States.

So how are people adapting?

Cities across Europe are getting creative.

Paris has offered free movie tickets, giving residents a chance to escape the heat inside air-conditioned theaters. Amsterdam has opened cooling centers in libraries, churches, and community buildings where people can rest, drink water, and cool down. Public fountains and ponds have become popular gathering spots as people search for relief from the relentless temperatures.

Even older solutions are making a comeback.

Some homeowners are using blanc de Meudon, a traditional white mineral powder mixed with water and painted onto windows to reflect sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures. A practice that dates back generations is suddenly becoming relevant again.

As heat waves become more frequent, many European cities are also looking toward long-term solutions, including planting more trees, creating additional shaded public spaces, and redesigning urban areas to absorb less heat.

Extreme weather affects every country differently.

And sometimes, the biggest challenge isn’t the temperature itself.

It’s whether a city’s homes, buildings, and infrastructure were ever designed for it in the first place.