Europe faces intense heatwave as temperatures near 40C

Large parts of Europe are struggling under a severe heatwave that pushed temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend.

Large parts of Europe are struggling under a severe heatwave that pushed temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend, triggering weather alerts, transport disruptions, and growing concern about the impact on people, wildlife, and infrastructure.

The heatwave arrived as the northern hemisphere marked the summer solstice, a period that usually signals the beginning of the hottest weeks of the year. Meteorologists say the early arrival and intensity of the heat has raised fears that extreme conditions could persist longer than usual this summer.

Countries including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and others have been hit by soaring temperatures that have remained above 35C in many regions for several days. In Italy, authorities issued red alerts for multiple cities including Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Turin, warning residents of serious health risks, especially for older people and those with medical conditions.

In Rome, the extreme heat was visible in public life as pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square during the Pope’s Sunday prayer, using umbrellas and parasols to shield themselves from the scorching sun. Across southern Europe, residents and tourists tried to cope with the heat by staying in shade, carrying fans, and drinking cold water while continuing daily routines.

Weather experts say the heat is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara Desert. This system, known as the African anticyclone, has created what meteorologists describe as a heat dome over parts of western and central Europe. The trapped hot air is preventing cooler air from entering the region, causing temperatures to rise steadily day after day.

In Spain, authorities issued red and orange weather alerts across several regions as temperatures approached 40C in parts of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca. Officials warned that the heatwave could last until midweek, increasing risks of heat exhaustion and dehydration among vulnerable populations.

The extreme weather has also begun to disrupt transport systems. In France, rail operator SNCF reported major pressure on the network as high temperatures threatened overhead power lines and caused rail tracks to expand. Officials said thousands of staff had been deployed to monitor the system, while dozens of intercity trains were cancelled. Passengers were advised to postpone non essential travel where possible.

Germany also experienced difficult conditions, with temperatures reaching as high as 38C in some areas. The national weather service warned of severe thunderstorms in eastern regions, including Berlin, where heavy rain and strong winds disrupted public events and forced evacuations at outdoor festivals.

Beyond human impact, wildlife has also been affected. Animal rescue centres in Belgium reported a sharp rise in cases of heat stressed animals, particularly young birds. Care workers said many nestlings were being found in distress as they struggled to survive in overheated environments. Rescue centres are now operating beyond capacity as they try to care for the increasing number of animals in need.

Experts say these extreme conditions are becoming more common across Europe due to climate change. They warn that heatwaves are likely to increase in frequency and intensity in the coming years, putting additional pressure on public health systems, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems across the continent.