A severe heatwave has gripped large parts of Europe, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting widespread weather warnings, transport disruptions and growing pressure on infrastructure, wildlife and tourist areas.
The heat surge on June 21, the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and typically the start of the three hottest months of the year, has raised concerns about an early and sustained period of extreme temperatures.
In Italy, authorities issued red alerts for June 21 across eight cities, including Bologna, Florence, Milan and Turin, after several days of temperatures above 35C.
In Rome, visitors in St Peter’s Square used parasols and umbrellas to shield themselves from intense sun as the Pope delivered a traditional Sunday prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace.
The heat is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, strengthened by a high-pressure system known as the “African anticyclone.” Meteorologists say this has created a “heat dome” trapping hot air over western and central Europe, allowing temperatures to build day after day.
In Spain, Madrid residents and tourists used fans and cold drinks while moving through the city’s El Rastro flea market. Spain’s AEMET weather agency issued red and orange alerts across multiple regions, warning of temperatures exceeding 39C to 40C across much of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca, and said the heatwave is expected to last at least until midweek.
In France, the national rail operator SNCF said the heat was “strongly impacted” by high temperatures that risk damaging overhead power lines and causing rail expansion. SNCF chief Jean Castex said 3,500 staff had been mobilized to monitor the network, with 2,000 more deployed for emergency repairs, and urged vulnerable passengers to postpone travel. The operator has cancelled 71 intercity trains until Monday on key routes.
In Germany, where temperatures have reached up to 38C, the DWD weather service warned of severe thunderstorms in eastern regions, including Berlin, where heavy rain disrupted the open-air Fete de la Musique festival. Organizers evacuated the Berlin Open grounds as strong winds and rain arrived while spectators awaited a tennis singles final between Jessica Pegula of the United States and Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic.
Wildlife centers are also reporting rising pressure. A rescue facility near Namur in Belgium said it has taken in around 150 heat-stressed animals in recent days, with young birds especially vulnerable.
“Nestlings prefer to jump rather than let themselves die and literally cook in their nests,” said CREAVES founder Romain De Jaegere, adding that wildlife centres across Belgium are overwhelmed.
