2026 European heatwaves
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Starting in late May 2026, several severe heatwaves affected Europe. Temperature records were broken in Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and the United Kingdom.[10] The first heatwave began on 24 May, with temperatures higher than normal and several heat-related deaths. Temperatures were the highest ever recorded for May,[11][12] with climate change causing the earlier onset of Central Europe's summer.[13] Western Europe was the most affected area, with reports of record-breaking temperatures in France,[14][15] Ireland and the United Kingdom. Other countries with unusually high temperatures were Portugal, at 40 °C (104 °F), and Spain, with temperatures in the southwest reaching 39 °C (102 °F).
 Thematic radiometer imagery of surface temperature captured by Copernicus Sentinel-3 on Tuesday, 26 May 2026 | |
| Type | Heatwave |
|---|---|
| Areas | Europe |
| Start date | 22 May 2026 |
| End date | Ongoing (as of 9 July 2026[update]) |
| Peak temp. | 45.1 °C (113.2 °F), recorded at Andújar and Montoro, Spain, on 22 and 23 June 2026 |
| Losses | |
| Deaths | 24,264+[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] |
A second, more severe heatwave began on 17 June, just days before the summer solstice.[b][16] In France, Météo-France declared 23 June the country's hottest day since measurements began in 1947, with temperatures reaching 44.3 °C (111.7 °F) in Pissos, 42.1 °C (107.8 °F) in Bordeaux, and a June record of 40.9 °C (105.6 °F) in Paris.[17][18] In the United Kingdom, temperatures peaked at 37.7 °C (99.9 °F). On 26 June, the World Meteorological Organization said the heatwave was expected to affect many areas of western, central, and southern Europe over the following two weeks, with the focus of the heat likely to shift towards the Balkans.[19] By 5 July[update], over 5,600 excess deaths were reported.[citation needed] Analysis by World Weather Attribution concluded it was the most severe heatwave ever recorded over the region studied, and that it was "virtually impossible" to explain its greater intensity relative to the 1976 British Isles heatwave without accounting for climate change in Europe.[20]
A third heatwave in the United Kingdom began on 4 July.[21] On 6 July, the UK Health Security Agency extended many heat-health alerts across England, and they will remain in force until 12 July.[22] The first areas of England officially met heatwave conditions during the morning of 6 July as temperatures in parts of south-eastern England exceeded 28 °C (82 °F) for the third consecutive day; temperatures peaked at 34.0 °C (93.2 °F) in Teddington.[23] On 9 July, a temperature of 35.5 °C (95.9 °F) was recorded in Wisley, Surrey, which the Met Office reported was the eighth day above 34 °C (93.2 °F) in 2026, marking a new UK record for the most number of days exceeding that temperature in a single year.[24] The length of this heatwave has led to 'extreme' marine heatwaves, affecting the southern North Sea and parts of the English Channel, which could have potentially negative impacts on marine life.[25]
Public discussion focused on climate change adaptation, net-zero emissions goals, and the role of air conditioning in Europe, where the technology is used much less than in China and the US.
By country
Albania
Temperatures in Albania hovered between 35–40 °C (95–104 °F) on 23 June.[26] The Ministry of Health put out a heat warning on 24 June.[27][28] Berat and Gjirokastër reached 40 °C (104 °F), but the national average fell to 39 °C (102 °F) on 6 July.[29]
Austria
In May, new temperature records were set at 46 GeoSphere Austria stations. Of those, Lienz had the highest temperature, recording 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) on 26 May. The city also had a record eight hot days in May, each with a temperature of at least 30 °C (86 °F), beating the previous record of three set in 2001. Bregenz and Eisenstadt had also set the new record for the highest number of hot days in May. Additionally, May had significantly below-average rainfall, with some regions being between half and two-thirds below the 1991–2020 average. May was also the fifth sunniest on record.[30]
On 18 June, GeoSphere Austria announced that a heatwave was imminent, with highs between 30 and 36 °C (86 and 97 °F) expected to persist through the end of the month.[31] On 20 June, temperatures reached 35 °C (95 °F) at five GeoSphere Austria stations and a temperature of 36.0 °C (96.8 °F) was recorded in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, marking the first time the value had been reached in Austria in 2026.[32] On 21 June, GeoSphere Austria recorded a temperature of at least 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) at 18 stations in its network, which included a temperature of 36.6 °C (97.9 °F) in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg and a temperature of 36.1 °C (97.0 °F) at a further two stations.[33]
On 24 June, GeoSphere Austria announced that temperatures were expected to exceed 35 °C (95 °F) in all state capitals and reach 39 °C (102 °F) in Vienna on both 27 and 28 June. As a result, the highest heat warning would be in effect for much of northeastern Austria, including Vienna, as well as for the southern cities of Graz, Klagenfurt and Villach, whilst the second-highest heat warning would be in effect for other parts of the country.[34] The Austrian Grand Prix, a Formula One race taking place at the Red Bull Ring on 28 June, was declared a heat hazard by the FIA as temperatures at the circuit were expected to reach 36 °C (97 °F) during the race.[35][36]
On 27 June, a temperature of 39.3 °C (102.7 °F) was measured in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, breaking a previous national June temperature record that was set in 2013, when a temperature of 38.6 °C (101.5 °F) was measured in Waidhofen an der Ybbs.[37] The same day, new June temperature records were set in six out of nine states of Austria, with the previous national June temperature record also surpassed in Vienna and Innsbruck, where temperatures reached 38.8 °C (101.8 °F) and 38.7 °C (101.7 °F), respectively. A temperature of 38.2 °C (100.8 °F) was measured in Bad Goisern, whilst Eisenstadt reached 37.9 °C (100.2 °F).[38]
On 28 June, temperatures exceeded 39 °C (102 °F) at several stations in Lower Austria and Vienna, as June temperature records were broken nationwide at 102 of 251 stations that have been active for more than 15 years.[39] That day, a temperature of 40.0 °C (104.0 °F) was measured in the Innere Stadt district of Vienna, which set a new June temperature record for Austria and marked the first time the value had been reached in the capital since records began.[39][40] Outside Vienna, a temperature of 39.9 °C (103.8 °F) was measured in the Langenlebarn area of Tulln, Innsbruck reached 38.7 °C (101.7 °F) on a second consecutive day, Linz was one of three places in Upper Austria where a temperature of 38.2 °C (100.8 °F) was measured, alongside Enns and Wels, and the same temperature was recorded in Eisenstadt, the state capital of Burgenland.[39][40]
On 29 June, it was reported that nighttime temperatures did not drop below 20 °C (68 °F) at 90 of 280 stations nationwide and a station in the Ottakring district of Vienna did not register temperatures below 27.3 °C (81.1 °F), which set a new June record for the highest nighttime temperature since the beginning of record-keeping in Austria.[41] The same day, highs in excess of 38 °C (100 °F) were recorded at several stations, with a temperature of 40.1 °C (104.2 °F) measured in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, which surpassed the national June temperature record set in Vienna the day before and marked the first time since the beginning of record-keeping that a temperature in excess of 40 °C (104 °F) had been measured in Austria on two days.[42][43]
The heatwave lasted 14 days and ended on 1 July, with severe thunderstorms affecting parts of northeastern Austria that day.[44] During the heatwave, which was the longest to affect Austria in June, new local temperature records were set at 60 of 251 stations that have been active for more than 15 years, whilst an additional 88 of the 251 stations set new June temperature records for their respective locations. At the state level, June temperature records were broken in all Austrian states except Carinthia. Historically, this June was more than 2.5 °C (4.5 °F) warmer than the 1991–2020 average for Austria and the fifth-warmest on record.[45]
Belarus
For the first time in history, the temperature in Belarus rose above 40 °C (104 °F). This historical maximum was reported in the town of Pinsk, with a recorded temperature of 40.4 °C (104.7 °F) between 2:00 pm to 2:20 pm on June 29, 2026, as reported by the Republican Centre for Hydrometeorology, Control of Radioactive Contamination and Environmental Monitoring.[46]
Belgium
A heatwave is reached when temperatures reach at least 25 degrees for 5 days in a row, with at least 3 of those days reaching 30 degrees or more in Uccle.[47]
Between 23 and 25 May, Uccle recorded temperatures of over 28 °C (82 °F). Locally in Brussels, temperatures peaked 31 °C (88 °F) on 25 May.[48] On 26 May, Uccle broke the daily temperature record set in 1985 and peaked at 30.3 °C (86.5 °F).[49]
The heatwave in the second half of June brought higher temperatures. Between 20 and 25 June, temperatures in Uccle reached 35.3 °C (95.5 °F). Forecasts predicted even higher temperatures, but it never exceeded that peak.[50] On 24 June, Belgium set a price record of over €1 per kWh electricity at sunset, as traditional power stations were maxed out to cope with increased air conditioning.[51]
On 26 June, the annual Battle of Waterloo reenactment was cancelled.[52][53] On 27 June, Katy Perry's performance at the Werchter Boutique festival was cancelled due to severe thunderstorms in the Benelux area.[54]
Between 18 and 29 June, the excess mortality rate in the country was 39 percent, with 1.222 excess deaths reported during the heatwave.[55] A report by Sciensano published on 8 July reported 1.747 excess deaths between 18 June and 1 July, with the excess mortality rate climbing to 48 percent. Making it the deadliest Belgian heatwave in the last 30 years.[56]
While temperatures didn't go below 25 degrees between 6 and 17 July, a heatwave was not reached in Belgium as only 2 days above 30 degrees were recorded with the RMI recording 29,9 degrees on Saturday 11 July.[57]
Bosnia and Herzegovina
FHMZ forecasted very high temperatures in Bosnia by the end of June 2026 projecting it as high as 41 °C (106 °F).[58] On 28 June, Mostar recorded a temperature of 41 °C (106 °F), making it the highest national temperature of the month in 2026.[59] However, an unofficial reading recorded the temperature as high as 50 °C (122 °F), mainly on asphalt surface.[60] The unofficial temperature was reached in 2012,[61] 2017,[62] 2022,[63] and 2024.[64] The temperature in Mostar the day prior was 39 °C (102 °F).[65]
Bulgaria
Wfy24 meteorologists reported that the Danubian Plain in Bulgaria was approaching 38 °C (100 °F) during late June 2026.[66]
Croatia
Croatia experienced a heatwave in the second half of June. In its weather forecast for 19 June, the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) reported that temperatures were expected to reach 32 °C (90 °F) in central Croatia and up to 34 °C (93 °F) in some areas along the coast, with sunny and hot weather likely to continue for several days. In coastal areas, temperatures were expected to remain between 21 and 24 °C (70 and 75 °F) during the night as well.[67]
On 26 June, DHMZ issued a red alert for much of Croatia's coast, reporting that temperatures were likely to reach 34 °C (93 °F) in most of the country and up to 36 °C (97 °F) in its southern parts, and expecting the heatwave to reach its peak by 28 June, when highs of 39 °C (102 °F) were predicted to occur in the country's interior. In coastal areas, temperatures were expected to remain above 25 °C (77 °F) during the night as well.[68]
On 28 June, DHMZ recorded highs in excess of 36 °C (97 °F) in many parts of the country, both along the coast and in the interior, with a temperature of 37.5 °C (99.5 °F) measured in Imotski, followed by 37.0 °C (98.6 °F) in Senj.[69] On 29 June, temperatures rose to between 36 and 38 °C (97 and 100 °F) in several cities around the country, Osijek reached 38 °C (100 °F), following multiple days on which highs in excess of 35 °C (95 °F) had been recorded in eastern Croatia, whilst a temperature of 39 °C (102 °F) was measured in both Senj and Cres.[70]
On 30 June, temperatures reached 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) in Split, which broke a July 1950 record of 38.6 °C (101.5 °F) for the highest temperature measured in the city, as local June temperature records were also broken in Šibenik and Zadar.[71][72] During the same day, a temperature of 41.0 °C (105.8 °F) was measured in Knin, surpassing a 2022 record of 40.4 °C (104.7 °F) for the highest June temperature measured in the city.[71][72] Temperatures in excess of 38 °C (100 °F) were recorded in many places along the coast, as well as in eastern Croatia, with highs of 39.8 °C (103.6 °F) at Osijek Airport and 38.8 °C (101.8 °F) in the city of Osijek, respectively.[72][73] Late in the afternoon, a storm caused by the heat affected parts of Dalmatia.[73]
On 1 July, temperatures were expected to reach between 32 and 37 °C (90 and 99 °F), as thunderstorms began to occur in many parts of Croatia in the afternoon, eventually ending the heatwave that, according to DHMZ, had begun on 20 June in northern parts of the Croatian coast.[74][75]
Czech Republic
On 27 June, the Czech Republic recorded its hottest day on record, with 40.9 °C (105.6 °F) recorded in the town of Doksany.[76] The record held only for one day as the following day, 28 June, 41.9 °C (107.4 °F) was measured at Doksany, the first reading of 41 °C (105.8 °F) in the official Czech station network.[77]
Denmark
On 27 June, Denmark's all-time temperature record was initially broken with 36.6 °C (97.9 °F) north of Odense. Record-keeping had begun in 1874.[78] The temperature reached 37.0 °C (98.6 °F) in Ødum, north of Aarhus and in Beldringe, north of Odense.[79]
A second heatwave officially began on 11 July, when temperatures reached 29.8 °C (85.6 °F) in Ødum.[80]
Estonia
On 28 June, the Estonian Weather Service issued a Level 1 (Yellow) alert for the entire country in anticipation of thunderstorms and "scattered severe weather",[81] and advised caution during outdoor activities, given a forecast high of 30 °C (86 °F) by the end of the weekend.[82]
Finland
It was anticipated that southern Finland would experience a heatwave—by that nation's Nordic standards—on 27 and 28 June, with considerable volatility the week following, 30 °C (86 °F) or so being a distinct possibility.[83][needs update]
France
In May, there were reports of record-breaking temperatures.[84] The national average was 24.9 °C (76.8 °F) on 26 May, the hottest May on record. The heat dome continued with Angoulême-La Couronne recording a temperature of 37.8 °C (100.0 °F) on 28 May.[85] Seven heat-related deaths occurred in May.[86]
Beginning on 22 June, overnight temperatures were the hottest since records began in 1947, and Météo-France issued a heatwave red alert for 54 departments. The nationwide heat index, an average of the measurements from 30 weather stations of the day and nighttime highs, provisionally reached 29.8 °C (85.6 °F). The single highest temperature was 44.3 °C (111.7 °F) in Pissos, with parts of Western France above 40 °C (104 °F). Bordeaux reached 41.1 °C (106.0 °F). Nearly half of metropolitan France was affected.[17]
Drowning deaths in France markedly increased.[87][88] On 26 June, Sports Minister Marina Ferrari stated in an interview with Le Figaro that two-thirds of the 55 people that had drowned had been swimming in unsupervised or unauthorized areas,[89][53][88] and emergency services reported 61% more calls than the previous week, and 75% more than the same time last year.[90] The historic Canal Saint-Martin in the centre of Paris was opened to public swimming; one man in an unsupervised area was found unresponsive.[91] Deaths include En Avant Guingamp footballer Kenzo Kies.[92] At least 18 died from related causes, including two children left in a hot car.[93] The heat forced 845 junior and middle schools to close, and a further 1,800 to adjust their teaching schedules.[94] Around 68,000 households in France experienced power outages.[95]
By 24 June, two-thirds of France was under a red alert.[96][97] On 25 June, 72 of the 96 Metropolitan France departments—75%—were under red alert.[98] Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announced (without giving specific figures) that nearly all of the "critical indicators" were up: calls to emergency medical services and fire brigades, ER admissions, and deaths.[98] Two nuclear power plants were shut down,[99] and later a third. On 25 June, the French Ministry of Health announced that 44 cardiac arrests had occurred in Paris on 24 June, and that there had been a fourfold increase in ER visits for heat-related reasons nationwide.[4][100]
In the morning of 25 June, a rare heat burst event was observed at Belle-Île. Temperature rapidly increased from 26 °C (79 °F) to 34 °C (93 °F) when the high-altitude air of the dissipating thunderstorm crashed down at over 100 km/h (62 mph). The whole fluctuation took place in the span of less than an hour.[101]
On 26 June, Enedis stated that 50,000 of its clients were without power.[90] In Paris, police chief Patrice Faure stated that emergency services were overwhelmed by heat-related illnesses, with the head of the Association of French Emergency Doctors specifying that 55 people had died under emergency care in 24 hours, the normal number being three or five.[102] SAMU announced that 109 people have died in Paris in 24 hours, against seven normally at this time of the year.[103]
The city announced restrictions on alcohol from 26–28 June, with public consumption of alcohol (excluding outdoor seating areas at licensed establishments) prohibited from 12:00 to 07:00, and sales of takeaway alcohol prohibited from 18:00 through the following morning from Friday through Sunday.[104][105] Paris Pride (which was postponed to September) and the Solidays music festival were cancelled following requests by Paris Police Prefecture,[106] along with Ironman Nice.[107] World Athletics stated that the Diamond League Meeting de Paris would still go on, but with non-professional events cancelled, and adjusted start times among other measures agreed upon by the prefecture. The Top 14 rugby union final was also expected to go on, but with alcohol sales prohibited at Stade de France.[108]
On 28 June, the French national health authority (Haute Autorité de santé) announced that 1,000 additional deaths were recorded compared to the totals for previous months, a figure expected to rise,[109] and the interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, noted that the ambulance services had responded to more than 122,000 calls during the height of the heatwave. Those 65 and older and/or shut-ins had the highest rise in death rates. Finally, severe lightning storms hit much of northern France in the immediate aftermath of the heatwave;[110][111] wildlife also suffered.[112] An estimate by Dr Christopher Callahan, a climate scientist at Indiana University, found that the heatwave had killed more than 5,000 people in France between 22 and 28 June.[1]
Between 24 and 26 June the temperature hit 40 °C (104 °F). The previous temperature records, which date to the 19th century, were in 1947, 2019, and 2022. One deputy mayor of Paris, Audrey Pulvar, noted that the assumption had been that such heat could be possible in 2030, following two abnormally warm decades.[113]
In mid-July during a third heatwave the Louvre, the Eiffel tower, and other tourist destinations again curtailed their hours, and the Tour de France shorted a portion of its racing route through hilly terrain, the first time in its history it had taken such a measure. 24 of the nation's departments were under the maximim heat alert.[114]
The heatwaves have heightened the risks of wilfires, with some starting in the north of France where wildfires are rarer, like in Fontainebleau.[115]
Germany
May
Temperatures rose above 30 °C (86 °F) for the first time in 2026 on 23 May.[116] Increased cooling demands from the heatwave combined with the usage of more expensive power sources due to lower wind power generation caused day-ahead power prices to jump by 29% on 27 May.[117]
Many weather stations recorded new records for the number of days ≥30 °C (86 °F), especially in the southern half of the country. In the Upper Rhine region, six to seven hot days were recorded locally. Wutöschingen-Ofteringen, Baden-Württemberg, recorded nine hot days in May, more than double the previous record of four set in May 2005.[118] The highest temperature recorded in Germany in May 2026 was 34 °C (93 °F) in Regensburg, Bavaria, on 26 May.[119]
June
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Germany experienced another heatwave in the second half of June. Starting in the southwest, on 17 June temperatures already exceeded 30 °C (86 °F) at 25 weather stations, with a maximum of 32.7 °C (90.9 °F) at Müllheim, while two days later the heat was spreading over 441 stations (out of 505) with a maximum of 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) in Kitzingen.[120] On 20 and 21 June, it was reported that temperatures were expected to reach between 32 and 39 °C (90 and 102 °F) in central and southern Germany.[121][122] According to a weather forecast published on 23 June, the ongoing heatwave was likely to continue for at least one week as temperatures were expected to reach above 35 °C (95 °F) in most of the country by 26 June, with highs around 40 °C (104 °F) expected in the southwest.[123] On 25 June, the national railway network Deutsche Bahn offered its clientele free cancellation of reservations made before 23 June,[99][124] and later advised against travel in general due to the high risk, specifically from wildfires, heavy summer rain, and thunderstorms.[4]
One day later, 26 June, a new all-time national record high of 41.3 °C (106.3 °F) was measured in Saarbrücken[125] and already 23 weather stations were hitting the old record for June, which was measured on 30 June 2019 in Bernburg with 39.6 °C (103.3 °F).[126] This all-time record was broken again on 27 June in Drewitz, part of Möckern, in the northern part of Saxony-Anhalt reaching 41.5 °C (106.7 °F).[127]
By 27 June, 13 of the 16 German states had broken their all-time temperature records.[128] National Express suspended its regional railway service in North Rhine-Westphalia state for six hours, and more generally only essential travel was advised. Furthermore, the concrete in several areas of Germany's autobahn system expanded and burst open, leading to road closures for repair[78] and also the tram network in Leipzig had to suspend their services because of melting asphalt.[129][130] Near Hamburg the main traffic lane of the Bundesautobahn 7 (A7) was closed because the asphalt had split.[131] A motorway in Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt was closed on 30 June due to heat damage.[132] About 160 people had to be evacuated from a nursing home in Dormagen the night to Saturday, 26 June, after temperatures reached 35 °C (95 °F) in the building. Two people died, and the incident is under investigation.[133]
On 28 June, the all-time high was broken for the third consecutive day: 41.7 °C (107.1 °F) in Coschen, close to the Polish border.[110] In Gohrischheide, Saxony,[134] a wildfire broke out in a forested nature reserve contaminated with munitions from World War II.[110][135] Police in Berlin fired water cannons in the air to cool people off.[110] According to a final report by the German Weather Service (DWD), 46 official weather stations throughout the country recorded temperatures exceeding 40 °C (104 °F) during the height of the heatwave, while 252 stations broke their respective all-time historical records.[136]
German Health Institute RKI reported a cumulated number of heat-related fatalities of 810 in the weeks ending on 21 June.[137] Cities and districts in North Rhine-Westphalia recorded a high number of fatalities. Cologne recorded four times as many deaths on the weekend of 26 to 28 June compared to an average weekend. Numbers in Remscheid, Wuppertal and Solingen had been twice as high as usual. Emergency rooms had been overcrowded with people having health-related issues like sunstrokes, heat exhaustion and heatstrokes.[138]
By 28 June the number of heat related fatalities reported by RKI was estimated at 5,120.[3] In mid-July the German lifeguard federation announced that there had been nearly 100 drowning deaths, most of whom were young men, and 40 of whom were younger than thirty, the most overall since the June 2003 heatwave.[114]
By 5 June the number of heat related fatalities reported by RKI was estimated at 6,830. The note that the actual toll may even be much higher. The number of excess fatalities is reported as 13,100.[139]
Hungary
Hungary experienced a heatwave in the second half of June. On 20 June, a temperature of 37.1 °C (98.8 °F) was measured in Aszód.[140] Between 22 and 25 June, temperatures were expected to reach between 30 and 36 °C (86 and 97 °F), whilst the peak of the heatwave was expected to occur between 26 and 28 June, with highs between 32 and 38 °C (90 and 100 °F).[140]
On 27 June, a temperature of 40.0 °C (104.0 °F) was recorded in Budakalász, which marked the first time the value had been reached in Hungary in June, and a temperature of 40.7 °C (105.3 °F) was measured at the same station the following day.[141] Also on 27 June, a temperature of 39.8 °C (103.6 °F) was recorded in the Újpest district of Budapest, which by far surpassed a 1935 record for the highest temperature measured in the capital on that date.[141]
On 30 June, a temperature of 42.0 °C (107.6 °F) in Szécsény set a new all-time temperature record for Hungary, surpassing a July 2007 record of 41.9 °C (107.4 °F) in Kiskunhalas.[142]
Ireland
Ireland saw its highest May temperature on record, with both Clonmel and Killarney recording 28.8 °C (83.8 °F), beating the previous May record of 28.4 °C (83.1 °F) in Kerry in 1997, with even higher temperatures expected.[143] On 26 May, Shannon Airport in County Clare recorded a temperature of 30.6 °C (87.1 °F).[144] Met Éireann reported that the temperature in south Ireland was five standard deviations over the May average.[145]
Italy
Red alert warnings were issued for Rome, Florence, Bologna, Brescia, and Turin on 28 May. Temperatures reached 38 °C (100 °F) in various cities. The thermal stress to the cables in the local grid led to repeated blackouts in Turin.[146]
On 24 June, red alerts were issued for 16 cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, and Turin.[97]
On 25 June, courts in Palermo suspended all non-exigent proceedings due to malfunctioning air conditioning, and the newspaper Corriere della Sera reported five deaths.[4]
On 26 June, the ANSA news agency reported that Genoa was the 18th city to be placed under red alert, and the Uffizi Gallery extended a suspension of ticket sales and limited visiting hours.[147] Clam fishers on the Po River estuary reported macro algae growth, which they had to clean off their nets, a blue crab infestation, and a massive die-off of clams in the 21 °C (70 °F) waters. Sea water entered 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) upstream, and the flow of the Po River at large had collapsed from its June average of 1,500 m3/s (53,000 cu ft/s) to 300 m3/s (11,000 cu ft/s). The environmental group Legambiente calculated less than three weeks of water reserve.[148]
Latvia
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) forecast tropical nights for 27–29 June, with the highest minimum not dropping below 30 °C (86 °F).[149] Thunderstorms are expected to form on 29 June.[150]
Lithuania
The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service anticipated highs of 37 °C (99 °F) for the weekend of 26–27 June[151] and thunderstorms shortly thereafter. A maximum of 30 °C (86 °F) for one or two days is the criteria is a notable meteorological event with public health implications; such temperatures for three or more consecutive days is a kaitra, an extreme heat event.[152]
Luxembourg
May records were met at several stations run by the Rural Economy and Agriculture Authority on 26 May, though none beat the national May record.[153] On 26 June, 38.6 °C (101.5 °F) was recorded at Findel Airport, setting a new maximum temperature record for June.[154] On 27 June, 41.4 °C (106.5 °F) was recorded by the Rural Economy and Agriculture Authority. This was a new all-time record for Luxembourg beating 40.8 °C (105.4 °F) from 2017.[155]
Montenegro
Animal welfare activists in Montenegro warn of the heat killing animals an pets as temperatures hit 40C. in the capital on June 30th, 2026. [156]
Temperatures hit 40C. in the capital on July, 15th, 2026. [157]
Moldova
Moldova experienced "extreme heat" in late June. Emergency shelters were set up by the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations on 28 June, with 3,567 people receiving assistance there on 28 and 29 June. Rescue workers also distributed 1,133 litres of water.[158]
2,447 people sought assistance in shelters on 29 June in Chișinău and across various districts, such as Anenii Noi, Cahul, Ștefan Vodă, Cantemir, Ialoveni, Căușeni, Hîncești , Leova, Taraclia and Cimișlia. The shelters were in Chișinău on 30 June, in the Sectorul Botanica, Sectorul Rîșcani, Sectorul Buiucani, Sectorul Ciocana and the Sectorul Centru.[158]
Emergency medical teams responded to 19 heat-related emergencies between 22 and 28 June. Thirteen people suffered heatstroke, and six cases of syncope were recorded. A yellow heat warning was issued for southern Moldova on 22 June.[159] On 30 June, the same heat warning was issued for northern Moldova, with an orange warning in effect for central Moldova and a red warning in effect for southern Moldova that day.[159]
Villages in Moldova were deserted by noon, and most activities, including farming, had to be done in the morning. Traders and shopkeepers reported a record sale of ice cream, mainly purchased in the evening, when temperatures were lower.[160]
A yellow heatwave warning was issued in Moldova on 4 July, with temperatures reaching 35 °C (95 °F) in the south.[161]
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, a heatwave is defined as five consecutive summer days of at least 25 °C (77 °F), of which at least three reach tropical-level heat (30 °C (86 °F)).[162] During such occasions, the National Heatwave Plan is activated by Dutch public health institute RIVM,[163] ProRail and the NS runs fewer trains as a precautionary measure.[164] The heat also necessitated water spraying to keep the drawbridges across the canals functioning,[165][166][167] as well as preventing road surfaces from thermal buckling.[168][169] "Winter" salt trucks were also deployed for increasing albedo and lowering the risk of asphalt softening.[170][171]
May
On 26 May, the temperature in Ell reached 30.7 °C (87.3 °F), becoming the hottest ever on that calendar day.[172] This was also the third consecutive day with tropical-level heat, thus it classified as the first regional Dutch heatwave of 2026.[173]
June
The second regional heatwave and first national heatwave began on 18 June, when the temperature in De Bilt reached 29.6 °C (85.3 °F). A day later, the temperature in De Bilt rose to 33.4 °C (92.1 °F), marking the first tropical day. After several summer days, the second tropical day followed on 24 June with 34 °C (93 °F). As of 29 June, data concluded this as the longest-ever-recorded consecutive heatwave in the Netherlands, lasting 11 days until 1 July.[174] This is also the longest regional "super-heatwave" which lasted six days.[175]
July
The third regional heatwave began on 13 July. In places like Gilze en Rijen, temperatures crossed the 25.4 °C (77.7 °F) threshold, fulfilling the 5-day consecutive warmup requirements for KNMI classification. Further south and east, in Volkel, Horst, Ell, and Maastricht, the mercury surged past 30 °C (86 °F). [176] The RIVM national heat plan was also reactivated.[177]
Record-breaking statistics
| New record | Date | Location | Previous record | Location | Old record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21.4 °C (70.5 °F) | 25 June 2026 | De Bilt[182] | 25 June 2019 | De Bilt | 19.5 °C (67.1 °F) |
| 21.3 °C (70.3 °F) | 26 June 2026 | De Bilt[182] | 26 June 1947 | De Bilt | 17.9 °C (64.2 °F) |
| All-time record of De Bilt | 27 July 2018 | De Bilt | 22.4 °C (72.3 °F) | ||
| Previous June record of De Bilt | 27 June 1947 | De Bilt | 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) | ||
| All-time record outside of De Bilt | 27 July 2018 | Deelen | 24.4 °C (75.9 °F) | ||
24 June is the sixth-ever recorded day with tropical conditions (above 30 °C (86 °F)) throughout the country, as well as the first-ever one for June.[179] The night of 24 June was the hottest ever recorded in that month of the year.[182]
| Date | Code Level | Location | Reason / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–25 June | Yellow | Northern Provinces; Frisian Islands | Risk for localised heat weather hazard[183] |
| Orange | Rest of the country | Expected temperature up to 36 °C (97 °F)[184] | |
| 26–27 June | Orange | Northern Provinces; Frisian Islands; Zeeland | High chance for heat weather hazard[183] |
| Red | Rest of the country | Expected temperature up to 40 °C (104 °F)[185] | |
| Upgraded from preemptive code orange | |||
| First-ever code red alert for heat[185] | |||
| Except Gelderland, Limburg, North Brabant, and Overijssel, the rest of the country was downgraded to orange on 27 June | |||
| 10–15 July | Yellow | South Holland; Utrecht; Gelderland; Overijssel; Zeeland; Noord Brabant; Limburg | Expected temperature above 25 °C (77 °F)[186][187] |
On the afternoon of 25 June, the preemptive nationwide code orange of 26 June was upgraded to code red except for the north, Frisian Islands, and Zeeland. The code red alert was extended to 27 June when data suggests that the heat dome shifted later than expected.[188]
On 26 June, KNMI issued level 10 on the heat force scale,[189] the fourth time in De Bilt since the scale's establishment in 1991.[185] This day also classed as the first-ever "super-heatwave" in the Netherlands, wherein the temperature stayed above 35 °C (95 °F) for three consecutive days.[190] Throughout the week, schools operated on a special heatwave schedule, and on 26 June most of the primary schools and also secondary schools closed due to the extreme heat.[191][192] The red alert has led to the cancellation of various events, including the Dutch U18 and U20 athletics championships,[193] and the Defqon.1 music festival in Biddinghuizen.[194][195] On 27 June, numerous events were also were temporarily suspended or ended early as a number of safety regions declared it unsafe to host any forms of outdoor mass gathering.[196]
The all-time record of June dated back to 1947, when it reached 37.9 °C (100.2 °F) in Venlo on 27 June, it was broken by 39.4 °C (102.9 °F) in Ell on the afternoon of 26 June 2026.[185] Previously, on 25 July 2019, the absolute all-time heat record from 1944 was broken by 40.7 °C (105.3 °F) in Gilze-Rijen.[197]
Severe thunderstorms
19–20 June
On the night of 19 June, the frontal system of the approaching heatwave generated a severe thunderstorm that tore through the entire Benelux area. The Netherlands recorded over 188,307 lightning strikes, breaking the all-time daily record.[198] Significant storm damage took place in eastern Groningen.[199] A wedding with 150 guests in Twente was flooded during the ceremony, flash flood occurred after a river bank burst.[200] A 25-year-old woman died when a tree fell on her moving car near Coevorden.[201] An NL-Alert was issued the following morning for the overwhelmed emergency service due to the widespread response to the damages to houses and trees.[202][203][204]
27–28 June
A code orange alert was issued for severe thunderstorm from the afternoon of 27 June to the early morning of 28 June, worse than the night of 19 June due to higher amount of atmospheric energy.[205] Monitors recorded 413,860 lightnings,[206] breaking the record that just set a week ago by more than double.[206] Various regions across the Netherlands were hit with hailstones up to 5 centimetres (2.0 in).[207][196] Insurers received many damage reports due to hail and lightning strikes, particularly from the regions around Amsterdam and Utrecht and from Flevoland.[208]
Train traffic experienced various disruptions due to lightning strikes and trees and branches on the tracks. In Gouda, a lightning strike caused serious technical problems, halting all operations between Gouda, The Hague, and Rotterdam. A tram in Scheveningen was hit by a lightning strike and stalled in the middle of an intersection.[209]
Lightning strikes also caused several fires in Amsterdam, Wassenaar, Geldrop, Snelrewaard, Helmond, Landsmeer, Nunspeet, and Beek en Donk, among others. A historic barn at Oldenoordweg in Toornwerd, Groningen caught fire from the lightning strike.[210] In Veldhoven, the top of a historic 1858 windmill — Zilster molen — was completely torn off by a strong wind gust. It collapsed onto nearby houses and cars.[211]
Safety regions received an overwhelming amount of damage reports, multiple control rooms were near-capacity. For instance, the Midden- and West-Brabant safety region was so busy that an extra control room was set up at a fire station.[212] People in that region were urged to call the emergency services only in cases of immediate danger, so that the control room remained available for urgent situations.[213] Reports of flash flooding also surged across Dutch cities.[196]
This storm, generated by the front with extreme temperature difference along retreating high-pressure area, marked the end of the June heatwave.[185]
Other heat-related disruptions
Overall, during the heatwaves, six deaths were caused by accidents during water activities.[214] RIVM attributed approximately 480 excess deaths to heat, which is mostly the elderly population or people with pre-existing health conditions, in the eastern and southern parts of the country.[215] The death toll is expected to rise as reports are still being processed in the coming weeks.[216]
During the June heatwave, there were numerous reports of drawbridge malfunctions across the Netherlands.[217][218][219] Many municipalities halted all bridge operations, stranding ship traffic.[220][221][222] The railroads also suffered vehicle and infrastructure failures.[223][224][225][226][224][227] Various roads across the Netherlands also suffered structural failure due to extreme thermal conditions on 26 and 27 June, necessitating emergency repairs.[228][229][230] Dutch energy company Essent reported that residential electricity consumption shot up by 50% during the 11-day-long extreme heat.[231]
Norway
In Norway, a heatwave is defined as five or more consecutive days of 27 °C (81 °F) or higher.[232] As of 23 June, such a stretch has not occurred;[233] temperatures have, however, been higher than normal since early June.[234] On 28 June, temperatures in Kongsberg and Nelaug fit the definition of heatwaves in Norway.[235][236]
North Macedonia
The media issued public heath advice on 28/06/2026 due to high temperatures as forecast predicted temperatures of 30C. to 40C. [237]
Poland
Given low May rainfall, Poland faced considerably increased risk of wildfires in its forests and national parks as the Omega block moved east.[238] Several municipalities set up water curtains for the public, and Polish State Railways warning of deformed tracks and sagging power lines, offered full refunds for booked weekend travel.[239] On 28 June, 40.5 °C (104.9 °F) was recorded in Słubice. This is the highest temperature ever recorded in Poland,[240] the previous record being 40.2 °C (104.4 °F) in 1921.[109]
On 28 June, it was reported that a woman had died in Chełm due to high temperatures.[241] On the same day, during an edition of the LOTTO PolandBike Marathon held in Marki, two race participants, aged 30 and 71, died after failing to reach the finish line. The body of the first cyclist was discovered later that day a short distance from the race route. The second was found on 29 June following an extensive search involving police, fire brigades, search and rescue teams and drones. Initial reports suggested that the extreme heat, with temperatures reaching nearly 40 °C (104 °F), was a possible contributing factor. The exact circumstances remain the subject of investigation.[242][243] A 60-year-old man died in a hospital in Konin after suffering from overheating while working on a farm.[244] A 47-year-old woman died while sunbathing in the yard of her home. Overheating is suspected to be the cause of death; this will be investigated.[245]
On 29 June, in Sanok, a 52-year-old man died at work.[246] At the same time, a 90-year-old man died in the hospital in Zielona Góra. The cause of death was likely overheating; doctors recorded a body temperature of 43 degrees Celsius.[247]
Portugal
Portugal faced the threat of 42 °C (108 °F) high temperatures with yellow weather warnings issued initially only in the districts of Leiria, Lisbon, Santarém, Setúbal, Portalegre, Évora, and Beja, before being expanded to all districts in Portugal due to significant public health concern and "very high" wildfire risks.[248][249][250] Continental Portugal experienced nearly nationwide tropical nights, meaning that the daily low temperature was above 20 °C (68 °F) from the Alentejo to the Algarve.[251][252][253] Mora recorded a temperature of 40.3 °C (104.5 °F) on 27 May, setting the hottest May record on nationally. In addition, 22 stations recorded the highest maximum-temperature on record, with one on 26 May and the rest on 27 May.[254]
Serbia
Serbia’s Republic Hydrometeorological Institute (RHMZ) reported on 2025/06/27 that the nation’s highest temperatures had just occurred at:[255]
Slovakia
From mid-June 2026, the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) issued repeated high-temperature warnings as the second European heatwave reached Slovakia, with heat warnings already in force on 19 June.[256] On 22 June, SHMÚ issued first-level heat warnings for the following day covering the Bratislava Region, most of the Trnava Region and Nitra Region and the districts of Krupina and Veľký Krtíš, where temperatures were expected to exceed 33 °C (91 °F).[257] On 24 June, the institute raised the warning to second level for 25 June across the entire Bratislava Region, most of the Trnava and Nitra regions and the districts of Krupina and Veľký Krtíš, where highs of around 35 °C (95 °F) were forecast between 12:00 and 18:00, while first-level warnings for temperatures up to 33 °C (91 °F) applied to the Trenčín Region, most of the Banská Bystrica Region and several districts in the south and east.[258] Second-level warnings were subsequently extended to the Danubian Lowland districts of Dunajská Streda, Komárno and Nové Zámky and to the Záhorie districts of Senica, Malacky and Skalica, all facing highs near 35 °C (95 °F).[259]
Forecasters expected the heat to intensify over the weekend, with highs near 38 °C (100 °F) on 27 June and 39 °C (102 °F) to 40 °C (104 °F) in south-western Slovakia on 28 June, peaking on 29 June at 40 °C (104 °F) to 41 °C (106 °F) ahead of an advancing cold front. Meteorologists noted that, unlike the heatwave of July 2007—during which the national record of 40.3 °C (104.5 °F) was set at Hurbanovo on 20 July[260]—the 40 °C (104 °F) threshold could be exceeded on several consecutive days in the south-west.[261] On 27 June, the temperature did not drop below 26.3 °C (79.3 °F) overnight in Bratislava.[262][78]
By 24 June, around 44% of Slovakia was experiencing significant to extreme soil drought and SHMÚ warned of a high risk of wildfires over the weekend, while the Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic (ÚVZ SR) issued advisories for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill.[263]
On 29 June, the national temperature record was broken, with 41 °C (106 °F) recorded in Turňa nad Bodvou.[264] The next day, 30 June, a new all-time national record of 41.3 °C (106.3 °F) was set in Kamenica nad Hronom.[265]
Slovenia
Between 25 and 27 May, the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO) recorded temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) at several stations in its network, reaching as high as 33.5 °C (92.3 °F) at Cerklje ob Krki Airport on 27 May.[266]
According to ARSO's definition, a heatwave in Slovenia is a period of time when there is a minimum of three consecutive days with average temperatures of at least 24 °C (75 °F) in its central and eastern parts or 25 °C (77 °F) in its western parts, respectively.[267] Therefore, the first heatwave to affect the country in 2026 began on 18 June, when the agency announced that it expected highs above 30 °C (86 °F) to persist for at least 12 days.[267] On 24 June, ARSO reported that the peak of the heatwave was likely to occur on 28 or 29 June.[268] On 27 June, the agency recorded a temperature of 37.4 °C (99.3 °F) in Dolenje, followed by 37.2 °C (99.0 °F) in Podnanos, as temperatures rose above 33 °C (91 °F) in almost all lowland areas of Slovenia.[269] Between 27 and 30 June, the highest heat warning issued by ARSO was in effect for most of the country's southwestern areas, whilst the agency's second-highest heat warning was in effect for the rest of Slovenia.[268][269]
On 28 June, temperatures exceeded 36 °C (97 °F) at several ARSO stations in southwestern and central parts of the country, a temperature of 37.5 °C (99.5 °F) was recorded in Podnanos, the highest value measured during the heatwave up to that point, and a temperature of 36.9 °C (98.4 °F) at the agency's station in the Bežigrad District of Ljubljana set a new June temperature record for the capital.[270][271] On 29 June, eleven ARSO stations measured highs of at least 37.0 °C (98.6 °F), which included a temperature of 38.7 °C (101.7 °F) in Podnanos and 38.2 °C (100.8 °F) in Bilje, respectively. The former set a new June temperature record for Slovenia, surpassing a 2025 record of 38.4 °C (101.1 °F) in Dobliče and marking the first time since a previous 2022 record of 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) that the value had been reached in Podnanos in June.[270][271][272]
Hot weather continued on 30 June and 1 July, with temperatures in Podnanos reaching 38.1 °C (100.6 °F) and 36.3 °C (97.3 °F), respectively, as several ARSO stations in the Vipava Valley measured highs in excess of 34 °C (93 °F) on every day between 18 June and 1 July.[271] Between 28 and 30 June, 20 stations in the agency's network registered highs of at least 36.0 °C (96.8 °F), with 12 of the 20 stations setting new June temperature records for their respective locations.[271] During the afternoon of 30 June, thunderstorms caused by the heat affected southwestern and central Slovenia, before occurring in various parts of the country the following day, which marked the end of the heatwave.[273][274]
Spain
Temperatures in Spain began rising on 19 May. By 28 May, Santander Airport recorded six days with temperatures higher than 30 °C (86 °F). Before then, only two days prior to June had recorded such temperatures. In addition, Badajoz Airport had temperatures over 38 °C (100 °F) for the first time in May. Temperatures across the southwestern quadrant of Spain recorded highs of 37–39 °C (99–102 °F).[275] Vinebre recorded a temperature of 39.5 °C (103.1 °F), setting the hottest May temperature ever recorded in Catalonia.[276] The Health Ministry recorded 101 heat-related deaths in May, the highest ever recorded for the month of May since records began in 2015.[277]
On 22 June, temperatures peaked at 45.1 °C (113.2 °F) in Andújar, southern Spain.[278] Between 21 and 24 June, 108 fatalities were recorded.[279] On 25 June, the Daily Mortality Monitoring System (stylized MoMo)[280] statistically calculated that 212 deaths were linked to the heatwave.[99] By 26 June, 327 heat-related deaths had been registered since 21 June.[281] The Carlos III Health Institute reported at least 1,028 heat-related deaths occurred during the heatwave in June.[282]
Barcelona recorded 40.5 °C (104.9 °F) on 8 July, setting the highest maximum temperature since records began.[283] A wildfire broke out on 9 July in southeastern Almería province, killing at least 12 and injuring at least eight, while 23 others are missing.[284]
Sweden
Orange warnings were issued for southern Sweden from 25 June onwards as heatwaves moved their way northward from the rest of the continent.[285] Temperatures exceeded 30 degrees for the first time on that day in Ronneby-Bredåkra with 30.6 °C (87.1 °F)[286] and have been forecasted to reach up to 35 °C (95 °F) until 29 June.[287] On 25 June, a 600 m-long freight train derailed on the main route between Göteborg and Borås near Bollebygd because of heat-induced track warping. No one was injured in the accident, and as of 27 June 2026,[update] there is no estimate of when the track will reopen.[288][289]
Switzerland
The unusually early heatwave set new daily highs in many stations in the latter part of May.[290] The 0 °C (32 °F) isotherm, which is to say the freezing level, rose to 4,328 m (14,199 ft) on 25 May, the third highest recorded in May.[291] Biasca recorded 34.8 °C (94.6 °F) on 28 May, just 0.3 °C (0.54 °F) below the May national record and the highest May temperature ever recorded on the southern side of the Alps.[290] Overall, the month of May was 1.8 °C (3.2 °F) above average and the fourth hottest on record.[290][292]
On 25 June, MétéoSuisse announced they had exceeded 37 °C (99 °F) in June for the first time since modern records began in 1946: 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) in Basel.[4] This record was broken the following day, 26 June: 38.8 °C (101.8 °F) in Binningen.[293] And on the 27th, Glacier Monitoring (GLAMOS) announced that the second-earliest melt-off of the winter's accumulated ice and snow was expected on Monday. (Its records began in 2000, and the earliest previous melt-off was marked on 26 June 2022.)[78]
Ukraine
As the heat dome shifted easterward into Central and Eastern Europe in late June, Ukraine experienced "intense heat" with temperatures between 35 and 38 °C (95 and 100 °F), which was warn by the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center on 29 June. Residents cooled off in the river, which can be seen en masse in Kyiv at the beaches of the Dnieper River.[294]
The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war resulted in significant damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the stress on the electricity grid was exacerbated by the heat. Energy rationing and rolling blackouts were implemented by the main operators across several regions on 30 June.[295][296][297][298]
The highest daytime temperatures during the heatwave were concentrated across western and southern Ukraine, culminating on 28 June when Lutsk recorded the country's peak temperature of 36.7 °C (98.1 °F). In Lviv Oblast, temperatures climbed from 30.2 °C (86.4 °F) on 25 June to 31.7 °C (89.1 °F) on 26 June, 32.4 °C (90.3 °F) on 27 June, and 35.8 °C (96.4 °F) on 28 June. Similarly, Zakarpattia Oblast also saw consecutive record-breaking days, rising 33.4 °C (92.1 °F) on 26 June to 34.6 °C (94.3 °F) on 27 June, and 36.4 °C (97.5 °F) on 28 June. Other western regions also registered record highs, including Ternopil Oblast at 35.5 °C (95.9 °F), Khmelnytskyi Oblast at 32.8 °C (91.0 °F), and Rivne Oblast at 36 °C (97 °F) on 28 June. Record temperatures were established across several oblasts, including Chernivtsi Oblast at 35.9 °C (96.6 °F), Vinnytsia Oblast at 34.6 °C (94.3 °F), and Zhytomyr Oblast at 33 °C (91 °F). The heat peaked on 28 June, with Kirovohrad Oblast hitting 35 °C (95 °F) and Odesa Oblast hitting 36.2 °C (97.2 °F).[299]
United Kingdom
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On 25 May, the highest springtime temperature ever recorded in Great Britain was recorded in Kew Gardens at 34.8 °C (94.6 °F), exceeding the previous record by over 2 °C (3.6 °F).[300][12][301] The next day on 26 May, the previous day's record was broken again at Kew Gardens with a reading of 35.1 °C (95.2 °F).[302][303] The heatwave has led to recorded 34.3 °C (93.7 °F) temperatures onboard London Underground trains and stations,[304] and at least 15 people died in water-related incidents across the country.[305]
On 22 June, the Met Office issued a red extreme heat warning for 24 and 25 June, the second time in history that such a warning has been issued.[306] The June temperature record was broken three days in a row from 24–26 June. On 24 June, the record was broken in Gosport, Hampshire, with a reading of 36.1 °C (97.0 °F), on 25 June, in Merryfield, Somerset, with a reading of 36.7 °C (98.1 °F) and on 26 June, in Lingwood, Norfolk, with a reading of 37.7 °C (99.9 °F).[307] The record before the heatwave was 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) set in 1957 and 1976.[308]
The extreme heat was also felt in the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.[309] On 25 June, Jersey reached a temperature of 39.3 °C (102.7 °F). This is the highest temperature ever recorded on the island since records began in 1894.[310]
The record for the highest minimum temperature in Wales for June was broken in Cardiff on the night of 25 June, with a registered temperature of 23.5 °C (74.3 °F).[4]
On 3 July, yellow heat warnings were issued for most of England starting on 4 July. [21] On 6 July, the warnings in the South of England were upgraded to amber from 8 to 12 July.[311] On 9 July, temperatures peaked at 35.5 °C (95.9 °F) in Wisley, making it the eighth day of the year when temperatures exceeded 34 °C (93 °F), breaking the previous record of seven set in 1976 and equalled in 2020.[312]
Highest temperature by country
| Country | Temperature | Record | Date | Location | Ref(s). |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Austria |
40.1 °C (104.2 °F) | June | 29 June | Bad Deutsch-Altenburg | [43][45] |
 Belarus |
40.4 °C (104.7 °F) | All-time | 29 June | Pinsk | [citation needed] |
 Belgium |
38.4 °C (101.1 °F) | 26 June | Kleine-Brogel | [citation needed] | |
 Bosnia and Herzegovina |
41 °C (106 °F) | 28 June | Mostar | [59] | |
 Croatia |
41.0 °C (105.8 °F) | 30 June | Knin | [72] | |
 Czechia |
41.9 °C (107.4 °F) | All-time | 28 June | Doksany | [313] |
 Denmark |
37.0 °C (98.6 °F) | All-time | 27 June | Ødum | [314] |
 France |
44.3 °C (111.7 °F) | 23 June | Pissos | [19] | |
 Germany |
41.8 °C (107.2 °F) | All-time | 27 June | Möckern-Drewitz | [315] |
 Hungary |
42.0 °C (107.6 °F) | All-time | 30 June | Szécsény | [142] |
 Ireland |
30.6 °C (87.1 °F) | May | 26 May | Shannon Airport | [citation needed] |
 Italy |
40.1 °C (104.2 °F) | 29 June | Bologna | [316] | |
 Luxembourg |
38.6 °C (101.5 °F) | June | 26 June | Findel | [317] |
 Lithuania |
36.3 °C (97.3 °F) | June | 28 June | Druskininkai | [318] |
 Moldova |
41 °C (106 °F) | June | 30 June | Cahul | [citation needed] |
 Netherlands |
39.4 °C (102.9 °F) | June | 26 June | Ell | [136] |
 Norway |
34.2 °C (93.6 °F) | 15 July | Nesbyen-Todokk | [319] | |
 Poland |
40.5 °C (104.9 °F) | All-time | 28 June | Słubice | [240] |
 Portugal |
44.3 °C (111.7 °F) | 3 July | Mora | [254] | |
 Romania |
40.6 °C (105.1 °F) | 29 June | Bihor, Săcueni, Jimbolia, Timiș | [320] | |
 Slovakia |
41.3 °C (106.3 °F) | All-time | 30 June | Kamenica nad Hronom | [321] |
 Slovenia |
38.7 °C (101.7 °F) | June | 29 June | Podnanos | [270][271] |
 Spain |
45.1 °C (113.2 °F) | 22 and 23 June | Andújar and Montoro | [19] | |
 Sweden |
36.8 °C (98.2 °F) | June | 27 June | Osby | [citation needed] |
 Switzerland |
39.0 °C (102.2 °F) | June | 27 June | Binningen | [19][322][323] |
 Ukraine |
36.7 °C (98.1 °F) | June | 28 June | Lutsk | [citation needed] |
 United Kingdom |
37.7 °C (99.9 °F) | June | 26 June | Lingwood | [19] |
Analysis
Teresa Ribera, a European Commissioner, blamed "ideologically driven" falsehoods driven by people with interests in fossil fuels for obstructing EU green policy.[324] Climatologist Friederike Otto commented that "it's climate change [...] not El Niño".[325] Scientists from the World Weather Attribution said that the heatwave was "virtually impossible" without climate change, and that the El Niño weather pattern "did not contribute" to the severe heat.[326]
The extreme heat set the backdrop for a special address by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, at London Climate Week on 23 June:
We have just lived through the eleven hottest years ever recorded. Climate disasters are becoming more frequent, more destructive, and more costly. And the World Meteorological Organization has warned we ain't seen nothing yet. El Niño is not just knocking on the door. It risks blowing the house down. Turning up the heat. Disrupting food and water systems. And hitting the vulnerable the hardest.[19]
The politicisation of air conditioning[327] reignited, with right-wing politicians in multiple countries championing the technology and characterising resistance to its adoption as a misguided left-wing project.[328] Marine Le Pen vowed to "put into place a massive air-conditioning plan" if elected president of France;[328] left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon instead declared, "I won't put my kid or my granddaughter or my great-granddaughter somewhere with air conditioning from morning to night!"[329] The mostly left-wing government of Ghent initially advised residents to "avoid air-conditioners", but removed the advice after an enquiry from the New York Times.[328] CNN reported that mass adoption of air conditioning could set the European Union back from its goal of climate neutrality by 2050.[330] Energy cost also presents a significant barrier to wider adoption, and 38% of respondents to an EU-wide survey said they could not afford to cool their homes.[331]
Chinese social media contrasted the situation in Europe with the one in China, where air conditioning is so widely adopted that it is even used in barns and pig stalls.[332] Focusing on France, some commentators diagnosed a supposed French psychological propensity to embrace suffering, which led to recriminations that the prevalence of air conditioning in the United States evinced greed or decadence.[333][334] Le Monde noted that air conditioning is widely viewed in France as a maladaptation to climate change, but that the 2026 heatwave engendered more public discussion of the role of air conditioning in the country.[329] French resistance toward air conditioning may be influenced by a superstition of choc thermique ("thermal shock"), the supposed tendency for air conditioning to cause fainting, nausea, or viral illness by virtue of the temperature differential moving from outdoors to indoors.[335][334] The superstition was promoted by French media organisations.[336] Furthermore, a superstition persists in Europe more widely that cold air causes illness;[337] in reality, illnesses such as influenza and colds are caused by viruses.[338]
Scientists at Indiana University made preliminary estimates of excess mortality related to the heatwave, based on data from past heatwaves such as the 2025 European heatwaves.[339] The previous 2025 heatwaves were associated with 16,500 excess deaths.[340] The team estimated that in the 2026 heatwaves were associated with 20,390 excess deaths (95% confidence interval: 17,201–25,141), but cautioned that estimates are subject to change.[341][339] An alternative preliminary estimate by a researcher at Poznań University of Medical Sciences puts the excess mortality at 15,000.[339] The European subcontinent has more heat deaths per capita than any other landmass.[342]
See also
Notes
- The Robert Koch Institute estimates between 6,010 and 7,700 heat-related deaths by calendar week 26 (ending 28 June 2026).[3]
- Astronomical summer did not begin until 21 June, its meteorological equivalent having, by European standards, already begun on 1 June.
