Europe suffers from extreme heat; understand what is happening

A strong and prolonged heatwave has gripped much of western and central Europe, prompting meteorologists to issue high alerts as temperatures threaten to break records for June.

See what’s happening.

How far does the heat go?

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland are under maximum heat alerts. The most severe conditions are expected in parts of the United Kingdom, France and Spain, where temperatures could reach 40°C or even higher.

In France, more than half of the country is under red alert, the highest level, because of the heat wave. Meteorologists say Paris could reach 40°C this week, something unprecedented for the month of June. This Tuesday (23), the French meteorological agency, Météo-France, reported that the country recorded the hottest night since the beginning of the historical series, in 1947. According to the agency, “exceptionally high temperatures, both day and night”, are expected to continue at least until Thursday, with parts of the center and west of the country reaching 43°C.

In Spain, the AEMET meteorological service said that temperatures should remain “extremely high” until Wednesday (24), with maximums of 40°C or more in large areas. The agency reported that at least six locations passed this level on Monday (22), with a peak of 45.1°C in Andújar, in the south of the country. The forecast is for a slight improvement from Wednesday, with a more pronounced drop on Thursday (25).

In the United Kingdom, an amber heat alert — the second highest — is already in effect across much of England and Wales. This Tuesday, the Met Office said temperatures could reach 36°C, close to the country’s June record of 35.6°C, recorded in 1976. A rare red warning for extreme heat comes into force on Wednesday in parts of Wales and central and southern England, including London, with highs forecast between 38°C and 40°C. If 40°C is reached, it will be the hottest day on record so early in the year. Since measurements began in 1884, the United Kingdom has only reached this level once: in July 2022, when 40.3°C was recorded in Lincolnshire, in eastern England.

According to meteorologists, the heat is caused by a high pressure system, known as a heat dome, parked over continental Europe and allowing hot air to enter from North Africa. With several days of strong sunshine and hot air trapped beneath this system, temperatures were around 10°C above average for this time of year.

This episode of extreme heat began in the middle of last week and comes shortly after another heat wave in May, which also broke records for the period. Météo-France noted that this type of event is becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.

Europe is warming faster

Linking a single heat wave to climate change requires detailed analysis. Still, scientists have no doubt that the world’s heat waves are becoming more intense, more frequent and longer lasting — and that Europe is the fastest-warming continent.

In 2025, practically the entire continent recorded temperatures above normal. Researchers estimate that, in recent years, Europe has recorded tens of thousands of heat-related deaths per year.

Many homes, schools and businesses in Europe were built for a colder climate. In the United Kingdom, several were designed precisely to retain heat, which makes it even more difficult to experience heat waves. And air conditioning doesn’t solve everything. In France, the installation of these devices became a topic of political debate; In the United Kingdom, the high cost of energy also weighs heavily.

Even in warmer Mediterranean cities, where old courtyards, heavy shutters and pale stone facades help keep spaces cooler, many new buildings have been constructed in a way that holds in even more heat.

How to cool off

Keeping your body cool and drinking plenty of water is the most important thing to avoid feeling unwell during periods of extreme heat. Other measures also help:

• Close the windows during the dayespecially those that receive afternoon sun, and use curtains, sheets or dark fabrics to block the heat.
• At night, open the windows and use fans to circulate air.
• Spray cold or room temperature water on your skin or wipe your forehead with a cold cloth.
• Take a cold shower to help lower body temperature.
• If you need to leavebring ice water and try to drink cold liquids throughout the day.
• If you are going to exercisesplashing cold water on your head can help. Swimming is also a good way to move around without suffering so much from the heat.
• When taking a walklook for cooler places such as museums, churches, cathedrals or even underground exhibitions.
• Some cities have created public spaces to alleviate the heat: Barcelona has climate shelters, Paris has water fountains, and London has a map with cooler places.
• Keep an eye out for signs of heatstrokesuch as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, headache and fainting.

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