A new wave of extreme heat is spreading across western and central Europe, affecting millions of people from Spain to the United Kingdom.
This is the second severe episode of heatwave recorded in less than a month, with meteorological services warning that conditions will become even more difficult in the coming days.
The high temperatures have already put authorities in many countries on high alert, while experts are pointing to a phenomenon that could leave a significant mark on this summer.
France: Up to 40 degrees – Red alert on the “table”
The French meteorological service warns that the peak of the heatwave is expected from Sunday through Tuesday. In several regions of western and central France, temperatures will reach 40 degrees Celsius.
Several regions may be placed under a red alert, the highest warning level. Experts are already comparing the phenomenon to the historic heatwave of 2003.
Today, about two-thirds of the country, including Paris, is under an orange alert. The intense heat has led several municipalities to cancel events that had been scheduled as part of the Fête de la Musique.
UK: June’s historic record is in the crosshairs
In the United Kingdom, the highest temperatures are expected on Monday and Tuesday, with the mercury reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius.
Much of southern England, including London, is under an orange alert. The British Meteorological Office estimates that the June record of 35.6 degrees, set in 1957 and 1976, may be broken.
Meanwhile, the spring of 2026 was recorded as the hottest ever in England and Wales.
Spain, Switzerland, and Germany on high alert
In Spain, extreme heat warnings cover nearly the entire country, including the Balearic Islands. In several eastern regions, temperatures are approaching 40 degrees.
Basel in Switzerland is on a level 4 alert on a five-point scale, with forecasts predicting temperatures of up to 37 degrees Celsius. In Geneva, authorities have decided that preschool-aged children will not attend school on Monday and Tuesday due to the heatwave.
At the same time, the German Meteorological Service is warning of “severe to extreme heat stress” in many parts of the country, and severe thunderstorms cannot be ruled out.
Scientists point to climate change
Experts link the recurring heat waves to climate change.
Météo-France climatologist Mathieu Sorel, describes the recurring extreme temperatures as “a clear sign of climate change.”
According to data published in the journal *Nature Medicine*, more than 60,000 people die each year in Europe due to heat. At the same time, data from The Lancet show a significant increase in mortality linked to high temperatures compared to previous decades.
Very high temperatures in Central Europe as well
The heat wave is not limited to Western Europe. From Hungary and Slovakia to Austria, meteorological services are forecasting particularly high temperatures for the coming days.
In Austria, the heatwave is expected to continue into the beginning of next week. However, local thunderstorms in the western mountainous regions of the country may provide temporary relief.
