Europe swelters under extreme heatwave as temperatures near record highs

A severe heatwave sweeping across much of Europe has triggered emergency measures, public health warnings, and widespread disruption as temperatures climb toward record-breaking levels.

France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and several other European nations have issued their highest heat alerts as forecasters warn that conditions are expected to intensify in the coming days.

Temperatures exceeding 40°C are forecast across large parts of western and central Europe, raising concerns about public safety, infrastructure, and economic activity.

In France, 35 of the country's 96 departments were placed under red heatwave alerts on Sunday (June 21), with temperatures ranging between 39°C and 40°C from the southwest through the Paris region and into Burgundy, Reuters reports.

More than half of France's regions are currently under the highest weather warning level, while hundreds of schools have been ordered to close.

In Bordeaux, temperatures are expected to reach 42°C on Monday, according to national weather agency Météo-France.

The extreme conditions have also been linked to tragedy.

Authorities this week are investigating the deaths of two children, aged two and four, who were found in their family's car in the southern town of Carpentras, reports France 24. 

Officials believe the intense heat may have been a contributing factor.

Red alerts issued as heat intensifies

In response to the worsening conditions, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a preventive ban on alcohol consumption at the annual Fête de la Musique celebrations and other public events taking place in the affected regions.

Meanwhile, Paris authorities have ordered public parks to remain open around the clock to provide residents with access to cooler outdoor spaces.

Germany has issued heat warnings across most of the country, where temperatures are approaching 38°C.

The national weather service, DWD, warned that a combination of extreme heat and high humidity could lead to severe thunderstorms.

In Italy, temperatures of 36°C to 37°C  are disrupting daily life and tourism in several cities.

The government has issued red alerts for 12 major urban centres, including Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Rome, following several consecutive days of temperatures above 35°C.

Spain is also experiencing exceptional heat.

The country's football federation closed a fan zone in Madrid's Plaza de Colón that had been set up with giant screens for supporters watching Spain's World Cup match against Saudi Arabia.

Fans were advised to seek alternative viewing locations.

Spain's national weather agency, Aemet, warned that temperatures through Wednesday could remain between five and ten degrees above seasonal averages, with some areas forecast to reach 44°C.

Meteorologists say the heatwave is being fuelled by a mass of hot air moving northward from the Sahara Desert.

The system is trapping warm air across large parts of Europe and could result in one of the longest-lasting heatwaves in recent years.

Scientists continue to link the increasing frequency and intensity of such events to climate change.

Météo-France notes that of the 51 heatwaves recorded in France since 1947, 34 have occurred since 2000 and 26 since 2011.

Researchers warn that rising global temperatures are increasing the likelihood of prolonged periods of extreme heat, heightening the risk of health emergencies, wildfires, and disruption across the continent.

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