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A couple walks with an umbrella along the Millennium Bridge as the UK faces record-breaking temperatures, causing disruptions to schools and transportation systems in London, June 23, 2026 — Reuters.
- Drowning incidents linked to the heatwave rise in France, while Italy issues a heat alert.
- An Omega blocking pattern traps heat, intensifying prolonged extreme temperatures.
- Climate change is fueling more intense heatwaves and severe weather events.
In France, over the past several days, 40 people have drowned while trying to beat the sizzling temperatures, according to the prime minister, as a heatwave sweeps across much of Europe. Meanwhile, Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain are also experiencing intense heat, with some regions reaching record temperatures that have led to school closures, halted transportation, and the shutdown of popular tourist spots, including the Eiffel Tower.
Europe’s temperatures are rising at more than double the global average, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization, making such extended heat events more common.
France faces a severe heatwave
Most of western and central France are seeing temperatures around 104°F (40°C), with forecasts predicting highs up to 109°F (43°C). Monday marked the hottest daytime and nighttime temperatures since records started in 1947. With 54 departments under red alert — an unprecedented number — that number is expected to rise to 58 by Wednesday, adding four more northern departments.
The French weather service predicts Thursday will be equally hot, with a slight decrease expected starting Friday from the Atlantic coast. Citizens are diving into canals and rivers for relief, but authorities warn against swimming in unsafe areas. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari emphasized understanding the urge to cool off but urged caution.
Official response and tragic incidents
Ahead of an emergency meeting on the ongoing heatwave, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu expressed concern over the rising drownings, noting 40 fatalities since June 18, mostly involving young people. On Monday, rescue teams failed to revive two children, ages 2 and 4, found unconscious in a car outside their home in southeast France.
The ‘heat dome’ phenomenon
This intense heat has been driven by an Omega block—a weather pattern shaped like the Greek letter Ω— trapping a hot air mass between cooler systems, resulting in temperatures that persist and intensify over days. Climate change is amplifying the severity of these heatwaves and associated storms. France’s current conditions are comparable to the 2003 heatwave, which lasted 16 days and caused approximately 80,000 excess deaths across Europe, but the duration of the present event remains uncertain.
Storms and weather fluctuations
Italy’s health authorities have issued their highest alert across 15 cities, implementing measures to limit work in certain sectors. Heavy rain, strong winds, and hail are forecasted over the Alps and Apennines. In Britain, temperatures are expected to reach up to 97°F (37°C) in the south, possibly setting new June records, prompting early school dismissals.
Transport networks are strained across Europe, with many trains cancelled or operating at reduced speeds. Spain has issued red alerts across parts of the country, warning of extreme heat, with temperatures expected to hit 111°F (44°C). Wildfire risks have also led local authorities in northern Spain to ban traditional bonfires.
Madrid has opened climate shelters to assist vulnerable groups during the heat, providing air-conditioned environments, basic meals, showers, and rest areas, according to Juan Carlos Arellano of Madrid’s Samur Social. In Belgium, soaring temperatures caused a primary school near Brussels to move final exams to a nearby church. Switzerland’s St. Gallen canton has limited water extraction from rivers and lakes due to low levels and high temperatures.
Adapting to the heat
Urban areas are seeing a surge in demand for fans and air conditioning units. One Parisian, Victoria Yakubov, rushed to buy a fan before they sold out within half an hour. Cities are keeping parks open at night to offer relief, with Parisians like Julie Morin enjoying the cooler evening air and watching the World Cup match in Buttes-Chaumont Park.
Tourists are opting for cooler destinations; some have chosen Sweden over Croatia for their summer trips, seeking refuge from the intense heat. Stockholm’s temperature was 72°F (22°C), compared to 86°F (30°C) in Zagreb.
While parts of Europe endure the heat, the Eiffel Tower closed early — at 4 p.m. due to the temperature — prompting visitors to seek cooler spots further north.
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