A dangerous heat wave is gripping large swaths of Europe, driving temperatures far above seasonal norms and prompting widespread health and fire alerts. The extreme heat is forecast to persist into next week, with minimal relief expected overnight.
Countries including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece are experiencing the most severe conditions, as meteorologists warn that Europe can expect more and hotter heat waves in the future due to climate change.
In Spain, temperatures reached 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) on Saturday in El Granado, which, pending validation, would set a new national record for June, surpassing the previous high of 113 degrees recorded in Seville six decades ago.
Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, warned that the heat wave would persist at least through midweek, with temperatures widely exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit and climbing to over 104 along the Mediterranean coast and southeastern highlands. Nighttime lows are not expected to fall below 68 degrees.
The Ministry of Health in Spain issued red, “high risk” alerts across broad areas in the north and west of the country through Monday. Officials urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid exposure during peak sunlight hours, and monitor vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant individuals, children, outdoor laborers, and those with chronic illnesses.
In Portugal, temperatures also soared on Saturday, reaching 113.7 degrees in Alvega, in the central district of Santarém. The national meteorological service indicated that the heat wave would extend into the coming week.
France has been enduring a heat wave for more than a week, marking the country’s fiftieth heat wave since 1947, according to Météo-France. Temperatures rose above 106 degrees Fahrenheit in Céret, in the southwest, before violent thunderstorms swept across the country, causing flooding and high winds in Paris.
Although the storms briefly cooled the country, Météo-France stated that the heat wave would continue, with temperatures expected to peak near 105 degrees across various regions. Most of the country remains under a Level 3, “be careful,” heat alert through Monday.
The persistent heat is attributed to a high-pressure system over Western Europe, known as a heat dome, which traps hot, dry air. As the system shifts eastward, it draws hot air from North Africa, intensifying the warming across the region.
Britain is now experiencing its second official heat wave of the year, with forecasters expecting highs of 93 degrees on Monday. The U.K. Met Office defines a heat wave as three consecutive days meeting or exceeding specific regional thresholds.
In Greece, a wildfire broke out south of Athens as temperatures surged, prompting evacuation orders for several communities. By Friday, temperatures exceeded 104 degrees in many areas, with the highest reading recorded at 109.7 degrees in Skala, Messinia.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service issued an emergency weather warning, with high temperature alerts remaining in effect for parts of the mainland and nearby islands. In Italy, the Ministry of Health placed 21 of the 27 monitored cities under its highest-level heat alert, with temperatures in Tor Vergata, a suburb of Rome, nearing 104 degrees.
Although the heat wave is expected to begin subsiding across much of Europe by midweek, forecasters at Météo-France noted that such events are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. They warned that by the end of the century, summers in France are likely to see temperatures above 104 degrees annually, with localized highs reaching 122 degrees.
“We should expect 10 times more heat wave days by 2100,” the agency stated.