A severe heatwave, described as having an exceptional geographical extent, is currently affecting several European countries, from Spain to Germany. According to meteorological services, temperatures have soared above 40°C in many regions, breaking historical records for the month of June.
In Spain, the heatwave has prompted red alerts in multiple provinces, with authorities warning of extreme health risks. The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET reported that temperatures in cities like Seville and Cordoba reached 44°C on June 23, 2026.
Germany is also experiencing unprecedented heat, with the German Weather Service (DWD) issuing warnings for most of the country. Temperatures in Berlin and Frankfurt exceeded 38°C, and in some areas of the Rhine valley, they reached 41°C. This marks the third heatwave in Germany this summer.
France, Italy, and Switzerland have also been affected, with authorities urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours. The heatwave is expected to persist until the end of the week, with a slight cooling trend forecast for the weekend.
Climate experts attribute the intensity and frequency of such heatwaves to global warming, noting that Europe is warming faster than the global average. The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed that June 2026 is on track to be one of the hottest Junes on record.
