A massive, high-pressure Heat Dome has settled over Europe, trapping a stagnant layer of scorching Saharan air and triggering an early-season heatwave of above-normal intensity from the Iberian Peninsula to the capitals of Western Europe. The soil in many regions remains exceptionally dry from a record-breaking hot spell in late May, stripping away the Earth’s natural ability to cool itself through evaporation – allowing surface temperatures to skyrocket even faster through the remainder of June.
The driving force behind this pattern is a strengthening upper-level ridge building out of Northwest Africa and expanding across western and central Europe.
The temperature forecast numbers are “flashing red,” with Portugal and Spain bracing for temperatures that could reach 45 °C (113 °F), while cities like Paris are facing extended, multi-day stretches in the upper 30s to low 40s – roughly 10 to 15 °C (18 to 27 °F) above seasonal averages.
The Badajoz Airport had temperatures over 38 °C (100 °F); temperatures across the southwestern quadrant of Spain recorded highs of 37–39 °C (99–102 °F). Vinebre recorded a temperature of 39.5 °C (103.1 °F), setting the hottest May temperature ever recorded in Catalonia.
Spain’s Health Ministry recorded 101 heat-related deaths in May alone, the highest ever recorded for the month since records began in 2015.
Significant warmth and the heatwave had already spread over France by mid-week, with peak daytime temperatures reaching into the upper 30s (°C). The hottest air mass is yet to arrive, with temperatures nearing 40 °C (104 °F) on Thursday and much higher from Sunday through Monday. Some weather models hint at brutal heat on Monday, with peak afternoon temperatures potentially reaching 41–44 °C (106–111 °F) across much of central, northern, western, and southwestern France – a development that could challenge historic heat records for June.
🌍🌡️ The 2nd wave of the Heat Dome scorching Europe is coming! This Saturday, Hannover (Germany) will be roasting at 40°C (feels like 44°C!), while you could be throwing snowballs in the highlands of the Black Sea region in Türkiye. The climate has officially lost its mind.❄️ pic.twitter.com/PpIpMGKawM
— Kutay Mıhlıardıç (@KutayMihliardic) June 22, 2026
There have been “seven deaths directly or indirectly linked to the heat, including at least five from drowning, as well as deaths related to extreme heat during sports events,” a French government spokesperson confirmed. On one day alone, a 53-year-old man died during a running event in Paris and a woman died at a Hyrox sports event in Lyon.
Forte affluence au canal Saint-Martin transformé en piscite géante alors que la canicule continue à Paris.#canicule pic.twitter.com/qD6TVOp5PM
— Luc Auffret (@LucAuffret) June 21, 2026
United Kingdom: Potential Record-Breaking June Temperatures
It is now likely the current highest temperature on record for June will be broken, that being 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) recorded in Southampton in 1976 and Camden Square in 1957. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “The forecast heatwave is developing into an impactful severe weather event, with record-breaking June temperatures and very high humidity. The combination of heat and humidity will be oppressive and bring impacts across society from public health and infrastructure, to power and water supplies.”
As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20 °C (68 °F) – called a Tropical Night — which will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating heat stress impacts.
High temperatures were forecast to persist through the week, especially in the southeast of England.
Germany, Benelux, and Beyond
Warmth gradually expanded into Germany and the Benelux countries, reaching low to mid-30s (°C) from Friday through Sunday. The heat dome remained parked over Western Europe, France, and the British Isles.
Germany experienced a heatwave in the second half of June. On June 18, GeoSphere Austria announced that a heatwave was about to affect the country, with temperature highs between 30 °C (86 °F) and 36 °C (97 °F) expected to continue until the end of the month.
The overall heatwave effect is likely to persist through the remainder of the month, so the accumulating heat will be long-lasting, worsening drought conditions and supporting wildfires. The soil is already quite dry in many areas.
Starting in late May, parts of Europe have been affected by heatwaves breaking records in Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Ireland. The first of these, starting on May 24, was a historic record-shattering event that resulted in temperatures 10 to 15 °C (18 to 27 °F) higher than normal, causing deaths and breaking all-time records for highest May and springtime temperatures across the affected areas.
National health services across the UK, France, and Spain have activated heat emergency protocols.
There are simple things people can do to keep safe in the heat. The public is urged to be #WeatherReady by planning time outside to avoid the hottest part of the day. Cooling centers have been activated in major urban areas including Paris, London, and Madrid. Health authorities are particularly concerned for the elderly, infants, outdoor workers, and those without air conditioning.
The Met Office issued an updated Extreme Heat Warning, extended through at least Monday, June 22, with a tweet confirming the extension on June 20, 2026.
Current Status and Outlook
The sinking air within the heat dome is developing a surface high-pressure system centered over the heart of Europe, with higher-than-usual pressure across Western and Central Europe continuing into next week. No significant disturbances are foreseen, so the heatwave will be long-lasting.
There is some uncertainty in how long the highest temperatures will continue due to increasing cloud and thunderstorm risk. It is expected further warnings will be issued once confidence increases.
Safety Advisory: Avoid strenuous outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Stay hydrated. Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles. Seek shade and air conditioning. Check on elderly neighbours. Heed all national-level heat warnings.
