Why is there a heatwave in the Europe?
From late May 2026 onwards, Europe has been struck by severe heatwaves, with the second and more severe heatwave starting on 22 June 2026. A stagnant heat dome, a sprawling area of high pressure feeding on hot Saharan air, settled over the continent, with the most brutal heat concentrated over the Iberian Peninsula and France between 20 and 24 June (1).
The weather pattern is driven by a powerful upper-level ridge building northward out of northwest Africa, creating a classic heat dome where sinking air under high pressure compresses and warms, skies stay cloudless, and the ground bakes day after day (2).
Climate scientists have attributed the intensity and early timing of the 2026 heatwaves to human-induced climate change, with Europe warming at twice the global average since the 1980s (3).
Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave?
Major urban centers and regions across Western and Central Europe are experiencing extreme heat during this heatwave event:
- Austria: Vienna
- Belgium: Brussels and surrounding areas
- France: Bordeaux, Limoges, Nantes, Orleans, Paris, Toulouse
- Germany: Cologne, Frankfurt, Munster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart
- Italy: Bologna, Caserta, Foggia, Milan, Padua, Rome
- Portugal: Northeastern region
- Spain: Cordoba, Madrid, Zaragoza
- Switzerland: Zurich
- United Kingdom: Southern England and Wales
How long will the heatwave last?
The second heatwave started on 22 June 2026 in summer proper, with the Danubian Plain edging towards 38°C (100°F) during late June. The heatwave is expected to produce peak temperatures of 42°C (108°F) with the extreme heat lasting until at least Thursday, with high relative humidity posing risks for public health and infrastructure (4).
The overall heatwave effect is likely to persist through the remainder of the month, so the accumulating heat will be long-lasting, worsening drought conditions and supporting wildfires (5).
Forecasts suggest cooler Atlantic air may begin to move in around 25-26 June, but temperatures are expected to remain well above normal throughout late June (6).
Are there any alerts in place?
Half of France is placed under red alert, with the highest heat warning issued for 49 of France's 96 mainland departments, while another 40 departments are under orange alert. In Spain, 13 of the country's 17 regions are on orange alert for heat. In Italy, the Ministry of Health has issued level three heat wave bulletins for several cities (7).
The Met Office issued a red extreme heat warning for the UK for Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach at least 102°F (39°C) in England and Wales (8).
Authorities recommend staying in air-conditioned spaces, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (11am-6pm), drinking plenty of fluids, and checking on elderly individuals and vulnerable populations.
