Europe has experienced an intense heatwave over the last week, leading to extensive high-temperature warnings throughout numerous countries on the continent.
Among the hardest-affected nations were Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, where thermometers soared past 40°C.
A 2024 report from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service indicates that Europe has experienced faster temperature increases than any other continent, warming at double the rate of the worldwide average since the 1980s.
Portugal
The temperature was expected to reach up to 43 degrees Celsius, leading officials to declare a severe heat alert for seven districts among the total eighteen.
Seven regions registered the nation’s all-time high temperatures in June, as the interior municipality of Mora, located west of Lisbon, hit an unprecedented peak of 46.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday. This surpasses the former national record of 44.9 set back in 2017.
As mainland Portugal faced a heatwave, a uncommon roll cloud caught numerous beachgoers off guard when the thick, wave-shaped formation swept across multiple coastal areas of Portugal on Sunday.
It appears Portugal has passed its most severe period, as temperatures return to stable levels. In Lisbon, the temperature prediction stood at 33 degrees Celsius—typical for this season.
Nonetheless, certain interior regions might continue to see temperature highs reaching 43 degrees Celsius.
Spain
Spain's national weather agency reported on Tuesday that Barcelona experienced its warmest June in over a century, dating back to 1920.
Perched atop a hill with views over the city, the Fabra Observatory registered an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, exceeding the former record for the warmest June set in 2003, when temperatures averaged 25.6 degrees Celsius.
Although Spain is accustomed to high temperatures, Barcelona typically experiences relief thanks to its position nestled between the coastal mountains and the sea.
At the same time, temperatures in Zaragoza and Bilbao rose nine degrees above the typical seasonal norm.
The southern region of Huelva experienced an all-time high temperature of 46 degrees Celsius this past Saturday. Additionally, Sunday’s nationwide average temperature reached 28 degrees Celsius, marking a new record for that date since records began in 1950.
The nation's meteorological department reported that temperatures will stay elevated through Thursday.
France
In addition, during Tuesday’s update, French Prime Minister François Bayrou reported that 16 departments had been placed under the maximum red weather warning by Météo-France, with another 68 regions facing an orange-level alert. Among the most severely affected zones was the Île-de-France area, which includes Paris.
“We’re monitoring both the risks involved and the measures being implemented,” stated Bayrou. “Thankfully, according to Météo-France, conditions might get better over the next few days.”
Because of below-average rainfall in June and the high temperatures experienced during the month, the meteorological department has issued a warning about a heightened danger of bushfires.
Temperatures are predicted to rise even higher on Tuesday. Over 1,300 schools will operate at reduced capacity or remain completely shut, according to the Ministry of Education.
The top level of the city’s iconic attraction, the Eiffel Tower, will stay inaccessible through Thursday. Ticket holders have been asked to reschedule their planned visits accordingly.
Climate specialists have cautioned that extremely hot summers are expected to occur more frequently and widely in the years ahead.
By 2100, France may experience temperature increases of up to 4 degrees Celsius, with readings surpassing 40 degrees Celsius and possible annual heat surges reaching as high as 50 degrees Celsius, based on their findings.
Italy
According to Italy’s Health Ministry, seventeen of the nation's twenty-seven largest cities were facing a heatwave.
According to reports from Italy’s national broadcasting service, RAI, a 46-year-old man passed away after collapsing during work to resurface a school car park close to Bologna. While an investigation into his death continues through an ongoing post-mortem examination, high temperatures are believed to be responsible for triggering the incident.
At the same time, northern Italy experienced heavy rainfall on Monday, with areas around Bardonecchia close to Turin submerged under mud. Landslips affected roadways following the overflow of the Frejus River.
Latest studies indicate that Rome, the capital city of Italy—where temperatures have remained steadily above 35°C for several consecutive weeks—is among the areas hardest hit by increasing heat levels across the nation during the past five decades.
Belgium
According to the railway company SNCB's official site, numerous train services in Belgium have been canceled between Monday and Wednesday.
Approximately 20 P-trains, typically operating only during peak hours to and from Brussels, were canceled to prevent the risk of overhead power lines overheating. Extra crews were also deployed in preparation for potential train malfunctions.
Railway authorities advised travelers to steer clear of trains during peak hours or telecommute when feasible, and also recommended bringing enough drinking water. To support this measure, complimentary water dispensers were installed at key railway hubs across the network.
"Given these kinds of heatwaves and extreme weather situations, we cannot exclude the possibility of failures in rail infrastructure. While issues like overheated overhead lines and expanding tracks may occur, difficulties with train air-conditioning systems can arise as well," stated Vincent Bayer, spokesman for SNCB.
The objective is to avoid such situations and take all necessary measures to guarantee maximum comfort and safety throughout the trip.