A powerful heat dome over Europe is driving another period of dangerous temperatures, tropical nights, wildfires and growing pressure on hospitals, transport systems and electricity networks.
Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and parts of the Balkans face the greatest risk of extreme heat, while Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom could also experience unusually high temperatures as the centre of the heat dome shifts across the continent.
Ireland is expected to remain on the cooler Atlantic edge of the system. However, temperatures could still reach the high 20s, with an isolated reading close to 30°C possible in a sheltered inland location if the warmest air reaches the country.
The latest Europe heatwave forecast is particularly concerning because it follows an exceptionally hot period that has already been linked to thousands of excess deaths.
Preliminary figures indicate that at least 3,700 excess deaths were recorded during the recent heatwave across France, Belgium and the Netherlands alone. Spain also attributed more than 1,000 excess deaths during June to extreme heat.
These figures are not necessarily the final European heatwave death toll. Heat-related mortality is often calculated weeks or months after an event, meaning the true human impact may be considerably higher.
Europe heat dome: the key facts
- A major high-pressure system is trapping extremely warm air over Europe.
- Temperatures could reach or exceed 40°C in parts of southern Europe.
- Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and the Balkans face the highest immediate risk.
- Ireland could experience temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s.
- Southern England may see temperatures above 30°C.
- Warm nights will increase health risks in major European cities.
- Wildfire danger remains high across Mediterranean countries.
- Thunderstorms and flash flooding may develop around the edge of the heat dome.
- At least 3,700 excess deaths were reported across France, Belgium and the Netherlands during the recent heatwave.
- More than 1,000 heat-attributable excess deaths were recorded in Spain during June.
- Forecast confidence is strongest for the first seven days and becomes lower during the second week.
What is happening with the Europe heat dome?
The European heat dome is being created by a strong and persistent area of high atmospheric pressure.
Air beneath the system sinks towards the surface. As it descends, it compresses and becomes warmer. The high-pressure pattern also blocks cooler Atlantic weather systems from moving normally across the continent.
Clear skies allow intense summer sunshine to heat the ground for long periods. Dry soil and vegetation then reduce the amount of energy used for evaporation, allowing more heat to build near the surface.
This can create a cycle of increasingly hot conditions:
- High pressure limits cloud and rainfall.
- The ground receives long periods of strong sunshine.
- Soil and vegetation become drier.
- Less moisture is available for evaporation.
- More solar energy directly heats the land and air.
- Warm air remains trapped over the same region.
The term heat dome does not mean that a visible dome exists over Europe. It is a widely used description of an atmospheric pattern that traps and recirculates hot air.
How many people have died in the Europe heatwave?
There is no single final death toll for the 2026 European heatwave.
However, preliminary national mortality data show that the human impact has already been severe.
At least 3,700 excess deaths were reported across France, Belgium and the Netherlands during the recent heatwave.
Spain separately attributed 1,029 excess deaths during June to high temperatures. The country experienced several days above 40°C during what became its second-hottest June on record.
France also reported hundreds of excess deaths during earlier periods of unusually hot weather in May.
These numbers should be interpreted carefully. Some figures cover different dates and countries, while broader European totals may include deaths already counted in national reports.
They should not automatically be added together to create one definitive European death toll.
European heatwave death data by country
| Country or region | Reported heat-related impact |
|---|---|
| France, Belgium and the Netherlands | At least 3,700 excess deaths during the recent heatwave |
| Spain | 1,029 excess deaths attributed to heat during June |
| Netherlands | Approximately 480 excess deaths during one intense heatwave period |
| France | Hundreds of additional excess deaths reported during earlier May heatwaves |
| Europe-wide total | Final figure not yet available |
| Italy | Complete national heat-attributable total not yet confirmed |
| Portugal | Final national excess-mortality figure not yet available |
| Germany | Full heat-attributable mortality analysis pending |
| United Kingdom | Heat-related mortality analysis generally follows after the event |
| Ireland | No comparable major national death toll announced for this heat dome |
The final number of deaths may not become clear until national health agencies have examined complete mortality records.
Why heatwave deaths are difficult to count
Heat does not always appear as the official cause of death.
A person may die from:
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory failure
- Kidney complications
- Severe dehydration
- Stroke
- Complications from diabetes
- Worsening of an existing medical condition
Extreme temperature may have contributed significantly without being listed as the primary cause.
This is why public-health agencies use excess mortality.
Excess mortality compares the number of people who died during a particular period with the number normally expected during the same time of year.
For example, if 10,000 deaths would normally be expected but 11,000 are recorded during a heatwave, the additional 1,000 deaths may be investigated as excess mortality.
Not every excess death is automatically caused by heat, but the method provides a more complete picture than counting only deaths where heatstroke was officially recorded.
Why the real European heatwave death toll may be higher
There are several reasons early figures may underestimate the true impact.
Death registrations can be delayed. National reporting systems also work at different speeds, making it difficult to produce a complete Europe-wide total in real time.
Heat can worsen existing medical problems without being identified on a death certificate.
The effects can also continue after temperatures begin to fall. A vulnerable person may become dehydrated or suffer organ damage during the hottest period but die several days later.
Previous European heatwaves have eventually been linked to tens of thousands of deaths after detailed analysis.
That history does not mean the current heatwave will necessarily produce the same total. It does show why early direct counts should never be treated as final.
Europe weather forecast for the next two weeks
The broad European weather pattern suggests that dangerous heat will continue affecting different parts of the continent during the next 14 days.
However, a two-week forecast should not be read as a precise promise of exact temperatures.
Forecast confidence is generally high for the first three to five days, reasonable for approximately one week and much lower during the second week.
The most likely overall development is:
- Extreme heat continuing across Spain and Portugal
- France facing another period of very high temperatures
- Italy remaining hot and humid
- Greece and the Balkans becoming hotter as the warmest air shifts east
- Southern England experiencing temperatures around or above 30°C
- Ireland remaining warm but less extreme
- Central Europe seeing alternating heat and thunderstorms
- Wildfire danger remaining high around the Mediterranean
- Increasing thunderstorm risk where cooler Atlantic air meets the heat dome
Spain heatwave forecast
Spain is expected to remain one of the hottest countries in Europe during the next two weeks.
Interior regions could repeatedly experience temperatures between 37°C and 42°C, with some local areas potentially exceeding these levels.
The regions most exposed to extreme temperatures include:
- Andalusia
- Extremadura
- Madrid
- Castilla-La Mancha
- Castilla y León
- Aragón
- Inland Valencia
- Parts of Catalonia
Madrid could experience several days close to or above 40°C. Overnight temperatures may remain above 20°C and could stay closer to 24°C or 25°C in densely built neighbourhoods.
Spain forecast for the first week
The first week is expected to bring:
- Widespread temperatures above 35°C
- Local maximums around or above 40°C
- Strong sunshine
- Very low daytime humidity in some inland areas
- Tropical nights in major cities
- High or very high wildfire danger
- Isolated dry thunderstorms
- Sudden gusty winds near storms
Spain forecast for the second week
Some regions may experience a modest reduction in temperature, particularly along northern and Atlantic-facing coasts.
However, central and southern Spain could remain significantly hotter than average.
A reduction from 41°C to 37°C would technically represent cooler weather, but it would not provide meaningful relief from heat stress.
Portugal heatwave forecast
Portugal is also facing an extended period of hot and dry weather.
Lisbon and western coastal areas may benefit from cooler Atlantic winds at times, but inland Portugal could remain extremely hot.
The highest temperatures are likely across:
- Alentejo
- Castelo Branco
- Évora
- Beja
- Inland Santarém
- Parts of northern and central Portugal away from the coast
Maximum temperatures could reach the high 30s or low 40s in the hottest inland districts.
Portugal wildfire risk
The combination of high temperatures, dry vegetation and changing winds creates a serious fire risk.
Wildfires have already affected areas of southern Europe, forcing evacuations and placing pressure on emergency services.
People in affected areas should avoid:
- Outdoor fires
- Disposable barbecues
- Throwing cigarette ends
- Parking vehicles on dry grass
- Using equipment that creates sparks
- Entering forest areas closed by authorities
Tourists should follow local evacuation instructions immediately. Delaying departure to collect luggage or take photographs can place both visitors and emergency workers at risk.
France heatwave forecast
France is expected to experience another period of intense heat, particularly across the south, southwest and central regions.
Paris could also experience temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s during the hottest phase.
The highest temperatures may affect:
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Occitanie
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Centre-Val de Loire
- Île-de-France
- Inland areas away from the Atlantic coast
Why Paris is vulnerable to extreme heat
Paris experiences a strong urban heat-island effect.
Concrete, stone, roads and rooftops absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This can keep inner-city neighbourhoods significantly warmer than nearby rural areas.
Upper-floor apartments can become especially dangerous where homes have:
- Poor ventilation
- No external shutters
- Large west-facing windows
- Limited insulation from heat
- No air conditioning
- Little access to shaded outdoor space
Older people living alone face a particularly high risk during repeated tropical nights.
France forecast for the second week
Temperatures may begin to fall in western France if cooler Atlantic air moves inland.
Eastern and southern France could remain hot for longer.
The boundary between cooler Atlantic air and the trapped continental heat may also produce severe thunderstorms, hail and flash flooding.
Italy heatwave forecast
Italy is expected to remain hot throughout much of the next two weeks.
Temperatures of approximately 34°C to 38°C are possible across many areas, with hotter conditions in parts of the south and on the islands.
Cities at risk include:
- Rome
- Milan
- Bologna
- Florence
- Naples
- Turin
- Palermo
- Catania
Northern Italy
Northern cities may experience particularly uncomfortable conditions because of high humidity and limited overnight cooling.
The Po Valley can trap warm, humid air, creating high apparent temperatures even where the measured maximum remains below 40°C.
Thunderstorms may develop near the Alps and northern regions. These storms could bring heavy rain, hail and strong winds but may provide only temporary relief.
Central and southern Italy
Rome, Florence and inland central regions may experience sustained temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s.
Sicily and Sardinia could record temperatures near or above 40°C where winds transport hot air north from Africa.
Greece heatwave forecast
Greece could become one of the main heat centres during the second week as the heat dome shifts towards southeastern Europe.
Athens may experience daytime temperatures around 35°C to 39°C, with local readings potentially higher.
Night-time temperatures could remain above 24°C in urban areas.
The main concerns for Greece include:
- Wildfires
- Water shortages
- Heat illness among tourists
- Closures or restricted hours at archaeological sites
- Pressure on island electricity systems
- High demand for air conditioning
- Difficult conditions for outdoor workers
- Smoke pollution near active fires
Visitors should avoid strenuous sightseeing during the afternoon. Historic sites with exposed stone surfaces and limited shade can become significantly hotter than the official air temperature suggests.
United Kingdom heatwave forecast
Southern and southeastern England could experience temperatures around or above 30°C during the hottest phase of the European heat dome.
London, East Anglia, the East Midlands and southern central England are the most likely areas to record the highest temperatures.
Maximums of approximately 30°C to 34°C are possible before cooler or more unsettled conditions arrive.
Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and northern England are likely to experience more moderate temperatures, although warm conditions could still spread north temporarily.
Heat risks in the UK
Many British homes are designed to retain warmth and may overheat during prolonged hot weather.
The greatest risk may occur in:
- Top-floor flats
- Care homes
- Hospitals
- Schools with limited ventilation
- Homes with large south-facing windows
- Urban areas with little shade
- Properties close to busy roads and dense buildings
Warm overnight temperatures can make the impact more serious even if daytime maximums remain below those recorded in southern Europe.
Ireland heat dome forecast
Ireland is expected to remain on the western edge of the European heat dome.
This means the country will generally avoid the extreme temperatures forecast for Spain, France, Italy and Greece.
However, Ireland could still experience a notable spell of warm or very warm weather.
Temperatures may rise into the mid-to-high 20s, with the possibility of an isolated value close to 30°C in a sheltered inland location.
Where will be hottest in Ireland?
The warmest conditions are most likely in:
- The Midlands
- Inland Munster
- Inland Leinster
- The southeast
- Sheltered parts of the west away from the immediate Atlantic coast
Counties that could record some of the highest temperatures include:
- Laois
- Offaly
- Westmeath
- Tipperary
- Kilkenny
- Carlow
- Kildare
- Wexford
- Waterford
- Inland Cork
- Inland Limerick
Dublin weather forecast
Dublin could become warm or very warm, particularly in western and inland suburbs.
Coastal districts may remain cooler if winds blow in from the Irish Sea.
A sea breeze could create a noticeable temperature difference between places such as Howth, Dún Laoghaire or Skerries and inland areas of Dublin.
Ireland forecast for the second week
Confidence is lower during the second week.
A stronger Atlantic influence could bring:
- More cloud
- Lower temperatures
- Rain or showers
- Fresher nights
- Breezier conditions
However, if high pressure remains in place, warm and mostly dry weather could continue longer than currently expected.
Germany heatwave forecast
Germany may experience a mixture of very hot weather, cooler interruptions and severe thunderstorms.
Temperatures could rise into the high 20s or low-to-mid 30s, particularly in western, southern and eastern regions.
Cities including Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich and Leipzig may experience periods of significant heat.
Germany may also face:
- Thunderstorms
- Hail
- Strong wind gusts
- Flash flooding
- Rail disruption
- High electricity demand
- Local wildfire danger
The heat may shift between regions rather than affecting the entire country at the same intensity.
Belgium and Netherlands heatwave forecast
Belgium and the Netherlands could experience temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s during the warmest periods.
Humidity may make conditions feel hotter than the measured temperature.
Cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels and Antwerp could experience warm nights because urban buildings release stored heat after sunset.
The Netherlands has already reported approximately 480 excess deaths during a recent intense heatwave period, highlighting the health risks even in northern European countries where temperatures may be lower than in Spain or Italy.
Poland and eastern Europe forecast
Poland may begin with more unsettled conditions before temperatures rise again.
Warsaw and other inland cities could experience maximum temperatures in the upper 20s or low 30s.
Farther south, countries including Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria may experience much more severe heat.
As the heat dome moves east, temperatures approaching or exceeding 40°C may become possible in parts of southeastern Europe.
Balkans heatwave forecast
The Balkans could become one of the hottest European regions during the second week.
Countries at risk include:
- Croatia
- Serbia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Albania
- North Macedonia
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Slovenia
- Hungary
Inland valleys and large cities may record temperatures between 35°C and 40°C, with local higher values possible.
Dry vegetation, low humidity and gusty winds could also increase wildfire danger.
Coastal tourism areas may be slightly cooler because of sea breezes, but high humidity can make conditions feel equally uncomfortable.
Switzerland and Austria forecast
Switzerland and Austria could experience alternating periods of strong heat and severe thunderstorms.
Lower-elevation cities may reach the high 20s or low 30s.
The Alps could experience rapidly developing storms with:
- Heavy rain
- Lightning
- Large hail
- Strong wind gusts
- Flash flooding
- Landslides
- Debris flows
Mountain visitors should not rely only on conditions visible early in the morning. Thunderstorms can develop quickly during hot and unstable weather.
Scandinavia weather forecast
Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland may experience shorter periods of unusual warmth rather than the sustained extreme heat expected farther south.
Southern Denmark and Sweden could reach the high 20s or low 30s when warm air moves north.
Norway and Finland are likely to experience greater regional variation, including warm spells, cooler interruptions and showers.
Long summer daylight hours allow temperatures to rise quickly when skies remain clear.
Will the European heat dome last for two weeks?
The same heat dome may not remain centred over one place for the entire two-week period.
Instead, the hottest air is expected to shift across Europe.
Western Europe may experience temporary relief while central or southeastern Europe becomes hotter.
Spain and Portugal could remain hot even when France and the UK begin cooling.
Italy, Greece and the Balkans may experience worsening conditions during the second week.
Therefore, there may not be one date on which the European heatwave ends everywhere.
The heat is more likely to move, weaken and rebuild in different regions.
Could another heat dome form later in July?
Yes, another period of high pressure and extreme heat is possible later in July.
Long-range weather models can indicate broad patterns, but they cannot reliably predict exact temperatures or local conditions several weeks ahead.
A temporary Atlantic breakdown does not necessarily mean the summer heat risk is over.
Dry ground can also allow temperatures to rise quickly if high pressure returns.
Why tropical nights are dangerous
A tropical night occurs when the temperature does not fall below 20°C.
These warm nights can be more dangerous than a single extremely hot afternoon because the body receives little chance to recover.
Buildings also retain heat, meaning indoor temperatures may remain high throughout the night.
Repeated tropical nights can increase the risk of:
- Dehydration
- Heart problems
- Respiratory distress
- Kidney complications
- Sleep deprivation
- Heat exhaustion
- Heatstroke
- Worsening mental-health symptoms
The greatest risk affects older adults, babies, people with chronic medical conditions and those living in poorly ventilated homes.
Why cities become hotter than rural areas
Cities often experience an urban heat-island effect.
Roads, buildings, rooftops and pavements absorb solar energy during the day. They release that heat slowly after sunset.
Urban areas also tend to have:
- Less vegetation
- Fewer shaded spaces
- More traffic
- More air-conditioning exhaust
- Less exposed soil
- Reduced airflow between buildings
As a result, a city centre can remain several degrees warmer at night than nearby countryside.
Paris, Madrid, London, Rome, Milan and Athens are particularly vulnerable because of their size, population density and large areas of heat-absorbing surfaces.
Europe wildfire risk during the heatwave
Wildfire danger is expected to remain high across southern Europe.
The most vulnerable countries include:
- Portugal
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Greece
- Croatia
- Albania
- Montenegro
- Turkey
- Cyprus
Heat alone does not usually start a wildfire. However, it dries grass, shrubs, trees and soil, making fires much easier to ignite and spread.
Human activities are responsible for many wildfire ignitions.
Common causes include:
- Discarded cigarettes
- Campfires
- Barbecues
- Machinery sparks
- Agricultural burning
- Electrical equipment
- Construction work
- Deliberate fire-setting
Strong winds can turn a relatively small fire into a fast-moving emergency.
Could thunderstorms follow the heatwave?
Yes. Severe thunderstorms often form when cooler Atlantic air begins pushing against very warm and humid air.
The transition out of a heatwave can therefore create additional hazards.
Possible impacts include:
- Large hail
- Damaging wind gusts
- Frequent lightning
- Intense rainfall
- Flash flooding
- Fallen trees
- Travel disruption
- Power cuts
After prolonged dry weather, hard ground may struggle to absorb sudden heavy rain. Water can run rapidly across roads and urban surfaces, increasing the risk of local flooding.
How the Europe heatwave could affect travel
People travelling across Europe during the next two weeks should prepare for disruption.
Potential problems include:
- Delayed or cancelled flights
- Rail speed restrictions
- Buckled tracks
- Wildfire-related road closures
- Reduced public-transport services
- Power failures
- Water shortages
- Closed tourist sites
- Restricted access to forests
- Sudden thunderstorms
- Poor air quality caused by smoke
Travellers should check local weather warnings every day rather than relying only on the forecast issued before departure.
Will flights be cancelled because of the heat dome?
Most flights are likely to operate normally, but extreme heat can still affect aviation.
Very high temperatures reduce air density, which can influence aircraft performance. Airlines may occasionally need to reduce weight or adjust operations at airports with short runways.
More common causes of disruption include:
- Wildfire smoke
- Thunderstorms
- Lightning
- Strong wind gusts
- Power problems
- Air-traffic restrictions
- Staff heat-safety measures
Passengers should check directly with their airline before travelling.
How heat affects European trains
Rail tracks expand in hot weather.
Operators may introduce temporary speed restrictions to reduce the risk of tracks bending or buckling.
Overhead electrical wires can also sag in extreme temperatures.
This may result in:
- Longer journey times
- Delays
- Cancellations
- Reduced services
- Crowded stations
Passengers should carry water, particularly when travelling on regional trains that may not have effective air conditioning.
How the heatwave affects electricity supplies
Electricity demand rises sharply when homes, offices, hotels and shops use more air conditioning, refrigeration and fans.
At the same time, some power stations may face operational restrictions if river or sea water used for cooling becomes unusually warm.
Solar electricity generation may be strong during clear weather, but extreme heat can slightly reduce the efficiency of some solar panels.
High demand combined with infrastructure problems can increase the risk of local power interruptions.
How the heat dome affects farming and food production
Agriculture may face significant pressure during prolonged heat and drought.
Possible effects include:
- Lower crop yields
- Heat stress in livestock
- Reduced milk production
- Increased irrigation demand
- Dry grass and animal-feed shortages
- Fruit damage
- Soil-moisture loss
- Increased wildfire risk
- Higher production costs
Olive, grape, wheat, maize, vegetable and fruit producers may be affected differently depending on the timing and duration of the heat.
A short hot spell can accelerate ripening, while prolonged extreme heat can permanently damage crops.
Is climate change making European heat domes worse?
Heat domes are natural atmospheric patterns, but climate change increases the temperatures they can produce.
The world now has a warmer background climate than it did several decades ago.
This means that when the same type of high-pressure pattern develops, the resulting temperatures can be higher.
Europe is warming rapidly, increasing the risk of:
- More frequent heatwaves
- Longer periods of extreme heat
- Higher maximum temperatures
- More tropical nights
- Increased drought
- Greater wildfire danger
- Higher heat-related mortality
- More pressure on health systems
Climate change does not mean every day will be hot or that every European country will experience identical conditions.
It increases the probability and severity of extreme heat when suitable weather patterns develop.
Who is most at risk during the Europe heatwave?
Extreme heat can affect anyone, but certain groups face greater danger.
Those most vulnerable include:
- People aged over 65
- Babies and young children
- Pregnant women
- People with heart disease
- People with respiratory conditions
- People with kidney disease
- People with diabetes
- Outdoor workers
- Homeless people
- People living alone
- Residents of top-floor apartments
- People taking medicines that affect hydration
- Tourists unaccustomed to extreme heat
- Athletes exercising during peak temperatures
Neighbours and relatives should check on vulnerable people regularly, particularly during warm nights.
Signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can develop after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Symptoms may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Pale or clammy skin
The person should be moved to a cooler location and encouraged to drink water.
Wet cloths, cool water and air movement can help lower body temperature.
Signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Warning signs can include:
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Rapid breathing
- Hot skin
- Loss of consciousness
Emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Do not assume that rest alone will be enough.
How to stay safe during the Europe heat dome
People in affected countries should:
- Drink water regularly.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the afternoon.
- Stay in shaded or cool areas.
- Close shutters, blinds or curtains during the day.
- Ventilate the home when outdoor temperatures fall.
- Wear light and loose-fitting clothing.
- Use sunscreen.
- Wear a hat outdoors.
- Limit alcohol.
- Check on elderly relatives and neighbours.
- Keep children out of direct afternoon sun.
- Follow official weather warnings.
- Carry water when travelling.
- Never leave a child or animal inside a parked vehicle.
A parked car can become dangerously hot within minutes, even when the outside temperature does not appear extreme.
Frequently asked questions about the Europe heat dome
What is a heat dome?
A heat dome is a persistent high-pressure weather pattern that traps warm air over a region. Sinking air, clear skies and strong sunshine can produce several days or weeks of unusually high temperatures.
Is Europe experiencing a heat dome?
Yes. A strong area of high pressure is contributing to extreme heat across western, southern and central Europe, with the hottest conditions expected to shift between regions.
How many people have died in the European heatwave?
At least 3,700 excess deaths were reported across France, Belgium and the Netherlands during the recent heatwave. Spain attributed more than 1,000 excess deaths during June to heat. A complete Europe-wide total is not yet available.
Which country will be hottest in Europe?
Spain and Portugal are among the countries most likely to experience temperatures around or above 40°C. Parts of Italy, Greece and the Balkans may also become extremely hot.
Will Europe reach 40°C?
Yes. Temperatures around or above 40°C are possible in parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and southeastern Europe.
Will France reach 40°C?
Parts of southern and inland France could approach 40°C. Paris may experience temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s during the hottest phase.
Will the UK reach 30°C?
Southern and southeastern England could reach or exceed 30°C. London and surrounding regions are most likely to experience the highest UK temperatures.
Will Ireland reach 30°C?
Ireland could experience temperatures in the high 20s. An isolated reading close to 30°C is possible inland, but it is not guaranteed.
Where will be hottest in Ireland?
The Midlands, inland Munster, inland Leinster and the southeast are the most likely areas to experience Ireland’s highest temperatures.
How long will the European heat dome last?
Dangerous heat could continue somewhere in Europe throughout much of the next two weeks. The centre of the heat is likely to move rather than remain fixed over one country.
Will the heatwave end with thunderstorms?
Some regions may experience severe thunderstorms as cooler Atlantic air pushes against the hot air mass. Hail, strong winds, lightning and flash flooding are possible.
Is it safe to travel to Spain, France, Italy or Greece?
Most travel can continue, but visitors should adjust plans, avoid strenuous afternoon activity, carry water and follow local heat and wildfire warnings.
Can heatwaves cause heart attacks?
Extreme heat can place additional stress on the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart problems, particularly among older people and those with existing medical conditions.
Why are night-time temperatures important?
Warm nights prevent the body and buildings from cooling. Repeated nights above 20°C can significantly increase health risks.
What is excess mortality?
Excess mortality is the number of deaths recorded above the amount normally expected during a particular period. It is used to estimate the wider health impact of heatwaves.
Europe faces a longer and more dangerous heat season
The latest Europe heat dome is not simply a spell of sunny holiday weather.
It is a major public-health and environmental event capable of increasing deaths, overwhelming hospitals, fuelling wildfires and disrupting transport.
The early mortality figures are already serious.
At least 3,700 excess deaths have been reported across France, Belgium and the Netherlands during the recent heatwave, while Spain attributed more than 1,000 deaths during June to high temperatures.
Those figures may rise as additional national mortality data becomes available.
During the next two weeks, the greatest immediate danger is likely to remain across Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and the Balkans.
The UK could experience another period above 30°C, while Ireland may see temperatures rise into the high 20s.
The precise centre of the heat dome will change, but the wider message is clear: extreme heat is becoming a recurring feature of the European summer rather than an isolated event.
