For decades, much of Europe dismissed air conditioning as an unnecessary luxury, whereas Americans embraced it as a standard part of everyday life. But after Western Europe recoded its hottest June on record and another relentless heatwave pushed temperatures above 100°F, Europeans are buying AC units in unprecedented numbers.

As Europe recorded its hottest June on record, Europeans flocked to buy AC units, eroding a decades-old divide with America.

For decades, much of Europe dismissed air conditioning as an unnecessary luxury, whereas Americans embraced it as a standard part of everyday life. But after Western Europe…