Europe is entering another dangerous period of extreme summer weather as a powerful heat dome brings soaring temperatures, tropical nights, wildfires and growing health concerns across the continent.
Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and parts of southeastern Europe are expected to experience the most severe heat, with temperatures reaching or exceeding 40°C in some regions.
Ireland will remain on the cooler Atlantic edge of the system, but temperatures could still climb into the high 20s. Some inland areas may approach or briefly reach 30°C if the hottest air moves far enough west.
The latest heatwave follows an exceptionally hot June in which temperature records were broken across Europe and thousands of additional deaths were recorded during the most intense period.
The developing weather pattern is expected to influence Europe for much of the next two weeks, although the hottest conditions will move between countries rather than remaining fixed over one region.
Europe heat dome 2026: key points
- Temperatures could exceed 40°C in parts of southern Europe.
- Ireland may experience maximum temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s.
- Southern England could reach or exceed 30°C.
- Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece face the greatest immediate danger.
- Tropical nights will make it harder for people and buildings to cool.
- Wildfire danger remains extremely high across southern Europe.
- Heat-related deaths and hospital admissions are expected to rise.
- Severe thunderstorms may develop around the edges of the hot air.
- Forecast confidence is strongest for the coming week and lower beyond seven days.
What is a heat dome?
A heat dome develops when a strong and persistent area of high pressure becomes established over a large region.
Air beneath the high-pressure system sinks towards the ground. As it descends, it becomes compressed and warmer.
At the same time, the high pressure can prevent cooler Atlantic weather systems from moving across Europe.
This creates a cycle in which:
- Skies remain mostly clear.
- Strong sunshine heats the ground.
- Rainfall becomes limited.
- Soil and vegetation dry out.
- Less heat is used for evaporation.
- More energy directly heats the land and surrounding air.
- Warm air remains trapped over the same area.
The term “heat dome” does not mean that a physical covering forms over a country. It describes the way a high-pressure system traps and recirculates exceptionally warm air.
Is another heat dome forming over Europe?
Yes. A new area of high pressure is strengthening over Europe and allowing very warm air to spread north from North Africa and the Mediterranean.
The most extreme temperatures are expected across southern and western Europe at first.
The centre of the heat may later shift towards Italy, Greece, central Europe and the Balkans.
This means one country may begin cooling while another enters the most severe stage of the heatwave.
Ireland heat dome forecast
Ireland is expected to experience a significant rise in temperatures as high pressure becomes more established.
The country will not face the same extreme temperatures expected in Spain or France, but conditions could still become unusually hot by Irish standards.
Daytime temperatures are likely to reach:
- 23°C to 26°C across many areas
- 27°C to 29°C in warmer inland counties
- Around 30°C or slightly above in an isolated sheltered location
- Lower temperatures along exposed Atlantic coasts
The warmest conditions are most likely across the Midlands, inland Munster, inland Leinster and the southeast.
Could Ireland reach 30°C?
Yes, temperatures close to or above 30°C are possible, but they are not guaranteed everywhere.
The final maximum will depend on:
- Cloud cover
- Wind direction
- Sea breezes
- Humidity
- The exact position of the high-pressure system
- How far continental air reaches across Ireland
An inland location could reach 30°C while coastal areas remain several degrees cooler.
A temperature of 28°C or 29°C may therefore be more widespread than a reading above 30°C.
Where will be hottest in Ireland?
The highest Irish temperatures are most likely in inland and sheltered areas.
Counties that could experience some of the warmest conditions include:
- Laois
- Offaly
- Westmeath
- Kildare
- Carlow
- Kilkenny
- Tipperary
- Wexford
- Waterford
- Inland Cork
- Inland Limerick
- Parts of Meath
The immediate Atlantic coast will generally remain cooler because of the sea’s influence.
Will Dublin reach 30°C?
Dublin could become very warm, particularly in western and inland suburbs.
Coastal areas may stay cooler if a sea breeze develops from the Irish Sea.
This could create a noticeable difference between temperatures near the coast and locations farther inland.
Places such as west Dublin, Kildare and Meath may record higher temperatures than Howth, Dún Laoghaire, Skerries or other coastal districts.
How long will the hot weather last in Ireland?
Current indications suggest Ireland could experience several consecutive warm or very warm days.
Some areas may meet the Irish heatwave definition if temperatures reach at least 25°C for five consecutive days at the same weather station.
The settled weather could continue into the following week, although confidence becomes lower further ahead.
Atlantic air may eventually return, bringing cooler temperatures, cloud, rain or thunderstorms.
Will Ireland officially have a heatwave?
An Irish heatwave is generally recorded when a weather station reaches at least 25°C on five consecutive days.
This means Ireland can experience a heatwave at one station without the entire country meeting the definition.
The Midlands and southeast have the greatest chance of recording official heatwave conditions.
A single day at 30°C would not be enough on its own.
The duration of the warm period is just as important as the highest temperature.
Will nights become unusually warm?
Night-time temperatures may remain higher than normal during the hottest part of the spell.
Some areas could experience minimum temperatures in the mid-to-high teens, while the warmest urban or sheltered locations may remain close to 20°C.
Warm nights can be uncomfortable because homes do not have enough time to cool.
The effect is often strongest in:
- Top-floor apartments
- Homes with large west-facing windows
- Densely built urban areas
- Poorly ventilated bedrooms
- Buildings designed to retain heat
Could Ireland experience tropical nights?
A tropical night is usually defined internationally as a night when temperatures do not fall below 20°C.
These conditions are uncommon in Ireland but can occur locally during strong heat events.
Even where the official minimum remains below 20°C, bedrooms and apartments may stay much warmer than the outdoor reading.
Repeated warm nights can increase sleep disruption, dehydration and health risks for vulnerable people.
Europe heatwave death toll
The complete death toll from the recent European heatwaves is not yet known.
Heat-related mortality is difficult to calculate immediately because many deaths are recorded under medical causes such as heart disease, respiratory illness, kidney failure or stroke.
Preliminary figures have shown a major rise in deaths during the hottest periods.
France recorded more than 2,000 additional deaths during one week of record heat compared with the previous week. The increase was particularly severe in the Paris region and among people who died at home.
Spain also reported more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to extreme temperatures during June.
These figures remain preliminary and should not automatically be added together to create a final European heatwave death toll.
Why heatwave deaths are often undercounted
Heat does not always appear on a death certificate.
A person may suffer a heart attack, kidney failure or respiratory crisis during a heatwave, even when extreme temperature played a major role.
Health authorities therefore examine excess mortality.
Excess mortality compares the number of deaths recorded during a specific period with the number normally expected.
For example, if 8,000 deaths would normally occur during a week but 10,000 are recorded, the additional 2,000 deaths may be examined to determine whether heat contributed.
The final analysis can take weeks or months.
Why warm nights increase the danger
The human body needs cooler night-time conditions to recover from daytime heat.
When temperatures remain high after sunset, the body continues working to regulate its temperature.
Buildings also release heat absorbed during the day, leaving bedrooms and living spaces uncomfortable overnight.
Repeated warm nights can increase the risk of:
- Dehydration
- Heart problems
- Kidney complications
- Respiratory illness
- Heat exhaustion
- Heatstroke
- Sleep deprivation
- Confusion among older adults
The greatest danger often comes from several hot days and nights occurring together rather than one extreme afternoon.
Spain heatwave forecast
Spain is expected to remain one of Europe’s hottest countries during the coming two weeks.
Inland temperatures could repeatedly reach between 37°C and 42°C, with locally higher values possible.
The most exposed regions include:
- Andalusia
- Extremadura
- Madrid
- Castilla-La Mancha
- Aragón
- Inland Valencia
- Castilla y León
- Parts of Catalonia
Madrid could experience several days close to 40°C, with overnight temperatures remaining above 20°C.
Spain outlook for the first week
The first week may bring:
- Widespread temperatures above 35°C
- Local readings above 40°C
- Strong sunshine
- Very warm nights
- High wildfire danger
- Dry thunderstorms
- Gusty winds near storms
- Increased pressure on health services
Spain outlook for the second week
Some northern and coastal areas may become slightly cooler.
Central and southern Spain could remain dangerously hot, even if temperatures fall a few degrees.
A reduction from 41°C to 37°C would represent a change in the forecast but would not provide major relief from heat stress.
Portugal heatwave forecast
Portugal is also facing an extended period of hot and dry weather.
Atlantic-facing coastal areas may experience some moderation, but inland districts could remain extremely hot.
The warmest regions are likely to include:
- Alentejo
- Évora
- Beja
- Castelo Branco
- Inland Santarém
- Interior central Portugal
Temperatures in the high 30s or low 40s are possible.
Wildfire danger will remain one of Portugal’s most serious concerns.
France heatwave forecast
France is preparing for another major surge of heat.
Southern, southwestern and central areas are expected to experience the highest temperatures, while Paris could also reach the mid-to-high 30s.
Some parts of southern France may approach or exceed 40°C.
The most vulnerable regions include:
- Occitanie
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Centre-Val de Loire
- Île-de-France
The combination of hot days and very warm nights will place additional pressure on hospitals, care homes and vulnerable residents.
Why Paris becomes especially hot
Paris experiences a powerful urban heat-island effect.
Concrete, stone, roads and rooftops absorb heat during the day and release it slowly overnight.
Inner-city neighbourhoods can therefore remain several degrees warmer than nearby countryside after sunset.
Upper-floor apartments are particularly vulnerable where there is:
- Limited ventilation
- No external shading
- Large west-facing windows
- Little access to green space
- No air conditioning
Older people living alone face some of the greatest risks.
Italy heatwave forecast
Italy is likely to remain hot throughout much of the next two weeks.
Temperatures of 34°C to 38°C are possible across many areas, with higher readings in southern regions and on Mediterranean islands.
Cities likely to experience difficult conditions include:
- Rome
- Milan
- Florence
- Bologna
- Naples
- Turin
- Palermo
- Catania
Northern Italy may experience particularly uncomfortable humidity, while Sicily and Sardinia could approach or exceed 40°C.
Greece heatwave forecast
Greece could become one of Europe’s main heat centres as the hot air shifts towards the eastern Mediterranean.
Athens may experience daytime temperatures between 35°C and 39°C, with higher local values possible.
Overnight temperatures may remain above 24°C in densely populated areas.
The main risks include:
- Wildfires
- Water shortages
- Heat illness among tourists
- Closures at archaeological sites
- High electricity demand
- Smoke pollution
- Pressure on island infrastructure
Visitors should avoid strenuous sightseeing during the hottest afternoon hours.
United Kingdom heatwave forecast
Southern and southeastern England could experience temperatures around or above 30°C.
London, East Anglia, the East Midlands and parts of southern England are most likely to record the highest temperatures.
Maximums between 30°C and 34°C are possible before more unsettled Atlantic conditions arrive.
Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and northern England are likely to remain cooler, although short periods of warmer weather may spread north.
Germany heatwave forecast
Germany may experience alternating periods of heat and severe thunderstorms.
Temperatures could rise into the high 20s or low-to-mid 30s, particularly across southern, western and eastern regions.
Cities including Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne and Leipzig may experience significant heat.
The transition between hot air and cooler weather could produce:
- Thunderstorms
- Hail
- Strong wind gusts
- Flash flooding
- Travel disruption
- Local power cuts
Belgium and Netherlands heat forecast
Belgium and the Netherlands could experience temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s.
Humidity may make the conditions feel hotter than the measured air temperature.
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels and Antwerp may also experience warm nights because urban buildings release stored heat after sunset.
Northern European countries can still record significant heat-related illness and excess mortality even when temperatures remain below those seen in Spain or Italy.
Balkans heatwave forecast
The Balkans may experience worsening conditions during the second week as the hottest air shifts east.
Countries at risk include:
- Croatia
- Serbia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Albania
- North Macedonia
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Hungary
- Slovenia
Temperatures between 35°C and 40°C are possible in inland valleys and major cities.
Dry vegetation and strong winds could sharply increase wildfire danger.
Scandinavia weather outlook
Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland may experience shorter episodes of unusual warmth rather than the prolonged 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 more likely to experience a mixture of warm spells, showers and cooler interruptions.
Long summer daylight hours can still produce rapid daytime heating under clear skies.
Will the heat dome last for two weeks?
The same centre of high pressure may not remain over one country for the entire two-week period.
Instead, the hottest air is expected to move across Europe.
Spain and Portugal may remain very hot while France begins cooling.
Italy, Greece and the Balkans could then become more affected.
Ireland and the UK may experience a shorter warm period before Atlantic weather returns.
There may therefore be no single date when the European heatwave ends everywhere.
The heat is more likely to weaken, move and rebuild across different regions.
Could thunderstorms follow the heat dome?
Yes.
Severe thunderstorms can develop when cooler Atlantic air pushes against very warm and humid continental air.
Possible hazards include:
- Large hail
- Damaging wind gusts
- Frequent lightning
- Intense rainfall
- Flash flooding
- Fallen trees
- Power cuts
- Transport disruption
After prolonged dry conditions, hard ground may struggle to absorb sudden heavy rain.
This can create rapid surface flooding even when the rainfall lasts only a short time.
Europe wildfire risk
Wildfire danger remains high across southern Europe.
The most vulnerable countries include:
- Portugal
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Greece
- Croatia
- Albania
- Montenegro
- Cyprus
- Turkey
Extreme heat dries vegetation and makes fires easier to ignite.
Common causes include:
- Discarded cigarettes
- Barbecues
- Campfires
- Agricultural burning
- Machinery sparks
- Electrical faults
- Deliberate fire-setting
Strong winds can rapidly turn a small fire into a major emergency.
Could Ireland face grass or gorse fires?
Yes.
Ireland’s fire risk is lower than in Mediterranean countries, but prolonged dry and warm weather can still create dangerous conditions.
Bogland, grassland, woodland and coastal gorse can dry quickly.
People should avoid:
- Lighting fires outdoors
- Using disposable barbecues near dry vegetation
- Throwing cigarette ends
- Parking vehicles on dry grass
- Leaving glass bottles in woodland or grassland
Even a relatively small fire can spread quickly during warm and breezy weather.
How the heatwave could affect travel
People travelling across Europe should prepare for possible disruption.
Potential impacts include:
- Flight delays
- Rail speed restrictions
- Wildfire-related road closures
- Closed tourist attractions
- Reduced public-transport services
- Power failures
- Water restrictions
- Severe thunderstorms
- Smoke and poor air quality
Travellers should check warnings each day rather than relying only on the forecast issued before departure.
How heat affects trains and roads
Rail tracks expand during extreme heat.
Operators may introduce speed restrictions to reduce the risk of tracks bending or buckling.
Overhead electrical wires can also sag.
Road surfaces may soften or become damaged during prolonged periods of high temperature.
The result can include:
- Delays
- Cancellations
- Reduced services
- Longer journey times
- Road maintenance closures
Passengers should carry drinking water, particularly on regional trains where cooling systems may be limited.
How heat affects electricity systems
Electricity demand rises sharply when homes, offices, hotels and shops use more air conditioning, fans and refrigeration.
At the same time, power stations can face restrictions if river or sea water used for cooling becomes unusually warm.
This combination can place significant pressure on electricity networks.
Local outages become more likely where demand is high or infrastructure is damaged by heat, storms or wildfires.
Is climate change making heat domes worse?
Heat domes are natural atmospheric patterns.
However, climate change raises the background temperature in which they occur.
A similar high-pressure pattern can therefore produce higher temperatures today than it would have produced several decades ago.
Europe is warming rapidly, increasing the likelihood of:
- More frequent heatwaves
- Higher maximum temperatures
- Longer hot spells
- More tropical nights
- Increased drought
- Greater wildfire danger
- Higher heat-related mortality
- More pressure on hospitals and infrastructure
Climate change does not mean every location will be hot every day.
It increases the probability and intensity of extreme heat when the weather pattern is favourable.
Who is most at risk during a heatwave?
Extreme heat can affect anyone, but certain groups face greater danger.
These 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 high temperatures
Relatives and neighbours should check regularly on vulnerable people.
Signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can develop after prolonged exposure to hot conditions.
Symptoms may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Pale or clammy skin
The affected person should move to a cooler place, drink water and cool the skin.
Signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Warning signs include:
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Rapid breathing
- Hot skin
- Loss of consciousness
Urgent medical assistance should be sought.
Heatstroke should not be treated as ordinary tiredness or dehydration.
How to stay safe during the heat dome
People should:
- Drink water regularly.
- Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest hours.
- Stay in shaded or cooler areas.
- Close curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows.
- Open windows when outdoor temperatures become cooler.
- Wear light and loose clothing.
- Use sunscreen.
- Wear a hat outdoors.
- Limit alcohol.
- Check on older relatives and neighbours.
- Carry water when travelling.
- Never leave a child or animal inside a parked car.
A parked vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a heat dome?
A heat dome is a strong and persistent high-pressure system that traps warm air over a large region, producing several days or weeks of unusually high temperatures.
Is Ireland experiencing a heat dome?
Ireland is likely to be influenced by the western edge of the European heat dome, bringing warmer and drier conditions.
Will Ireland reach 30°C?
Temperatures close to 30°C are possible in inland areas, but a nationwide temperature of 30°C is not guaranteed.
Where will be hottest in Ireland?
The Midlands, inland Munster, inland Leinster and the southeast are most likely to record the highest temperatures.
Will Dublin reach 30°C?
Inland parts of Dublin could become very warm, but coastal areas may remain cooler because of sea breezes.
Will Ireland have a heatwave?
Some weather stations may record five consecutive days of at least 25°C, which would meet the Irish heatwave definition.
Which European countries will be hottest?
Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and parts of the Balkans face the greatest risk of temperatures close to or above 40°C.
How many people have died in the European heatwave?
Preliminary national figures show thousands of additional deaths during the hottest periods, but a final Europe-wide total is not yet available.
How long will the heat dome last?
Dangerous heat could affect different parts of Europe for much of the next two weeks, although the centre of the hot air will move.
Will thunderstorms end the heatwave?
Thunderstorms may develop as cooler air moves in, but some regions could remain hot even after storms occur.
Is it safe to travel to Europe?
Most travel can continue, but people should follow local heat, wildfire and transport warnings and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon temperatures.
Europe faces another dangerous period of extreme heat
The latest European heat dome is much more than a period of pleasant summer sunshine.
It is a major public-health and environmental event capable of increasing deaths, fuelling wildfires and disrupting transport, electricity and daily life.
Southern Europe faces the most extreme temperatures, with values close to or above 40°C expected in several countries.
Ireland will remain cooler, but temperatures in the high 20s or close to 30°C would still be significant.
The exact forecast will continue to change, particularly beyond the first week.
The wider message is already clear: Europe is facing another extended period of dangerous heat, and the effects will be measured not only through temperature records but also through health impacts, wildfires and pressure on essential services.
