Europe sweats under early heatwave as temperatures near 40C

Heat climbed toward 40C across much of Europe on the summer solstice, turning stations, streets and tourist sites into a test of how long cities built for milder summers can keep functioning. A mass of hot air from the Sahara, driven north by the African anticyclone, trapped warmth over western and central Europe and raised fears that the early-season surge could linger.

Italy felt the pressure first. Authorities issued a red alert for eight cities on June 21, including Bologna, Florence, Milan and Turin, after several days above 35C. In Rome, pilgrims in St Peter's Square opened parasols and umbrellas as Pope Francis led his traditional Sunday prayer, while in Madrid, residents and tourists sought out fans and cold drinks as they moved through the El Rastro flea market. The heat already disrupted travel and added strain at tourist hotspots where shade, water and altered schedules became as important as sightseeing.

France moved into emergency posture as the heat was expected to intensify further on Monday, June 22. Nearly 2,700 schools were set to close or modify timetables, emergency services and military forces were placed on wildfire alert, and officials restricted public alcohol consumption in red-alert areas. Some outdoor sports events and festival activities were canceled or postponed, and three people died in France from health issues caused by extreme heat.

The wider warning is not just about one brutal weekend. The World Health Organization says heatwaves across Europe are affecting the health and livelihoods of millions and that extreme summer heat is becoming the norm, not the exception. Copernicus Climate Change Service said May 2026 was the second warmest May on record globally, and that western Europe had already seen an exceptionally early and intense heatwave in late spring. For transport networks, power systems, public health services and water planning, repeated 40C summers are no longer a temporary shock. They are becoming the baseline stress test.