A curious dome hovering over Western Europe has thrown life out of gear across the region. From droughts to drownings, a severe heatwave driven by this increasingly frequent phenomenon has enveloped a dozen countries in its searing embrace. Here’s a look at what it means, how it came about and what’s on the cards in the coming days.The story so farIn its second major heatwave in two months, Europe has been recording a steep increase in temperatures since mid-June. A code red (the highest-level warning) heat alert has been issued in parts of the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Italy. Code orange and other regional heat warnings are in effect across parts of Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Greece.In desperate attempts to tackle this unprecedented crisis, countries have issued emergency safety protocols, imposed workplace restrictions, closed schools, and reduced working and studying hours. France has ordered public parks and gardens to stay open around the clock, opened canals and even fountains for public swimming. In parts of the U.K., water-spraying mist cannons and temporary splash pads have been set up in public places. Many tourist destinations, including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, have reduced visiting hours. Some cinema theatres in Switzerland opened doors for the public to relax in their air-conditioned spaces.Deaths and disruptionsDespite all this, over 60 heatwave-related deaths have been reported across the continent.About 40 people, mostly youngsters, drowned since June 18, announced French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Tuesday. For respite from the soaring mercury, they had been swimming in unsupervised areas, he said. As per Reuters, three senior citizens died from heat-related causes near Bordeaux, while two children, aged two and four, were found dead inside a sizzling car. In Spain, a 90-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man reportedly died of heatstroke. Several others have been hospitalised over heat related ailments.The blistering spell has left few aspects of public life untouched. Amid wildfire risks and tropical nights, experts also warn of possible drought conditions.On Wednesday (June 24), a heat-related transformer failure triggered a major power outage in France, leaving about 68,000 households without electricity.Last week, authorities restricted alcohol consumption at events associated with the country’s annual music festival in areas under red heatwave alert.