2026 European heatwaves facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
2026 European heatwaves

Thematic radiometer imagery of surface temperature captured by Copernicus Sentinel-3 on Tuesday 26 May
Type	Heatwave
Areas	Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic France Germany Guernsey Hungary Ireland Isle of Man Italy Jersey Luxembourg Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Switzerland Ukraine United Kingdom
Start date	22 May 2026 (2026-05-22)
Peak temp.	45.1 °C (113.2 °F), recorded at Andújar, Spain on Monday, 22 June 2026
Losses
Deaths	1,352+

Europe has been experiencing very hot weather, called heatwaves, since late May 2026. Many countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom, have seen temperatures reach new highs. The first heatwave started on May 24, with temperatures much higher than normal. Sadly, this extreme heat has affected many people's health. May 2026 had the highest temperatures ever recorded for that month and for spring. Scientists believe that changes in our climate are making summers start earlier. Western Europe has been the most affected area. Portugal reached 40°C, and Spain was forecast to reach 38°C.

A second, even hotter heatwave began on June 17, just before the start of summer. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported on June 26 that the heatwave was continuing across much of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. They also mentioned it might shift towards the Balkans.

Understanding Heatwaves in Europe

What is a Heatwave?

A heatwave is a period of unusually hot weather. It lasts for several days or even weeks. During a heatwave, temperatures are much higher than what is normal for that time of year. This can be dangerous for people, animals, and plants.

Why are Heatwaves Happening?

Scientists say that climate change is making heatwaves more common and more intense. Our planet is getting warmer, which leads to more extreme weather events. This means we might see hotter summers more often.

Heatwave Impact by Country

Austria

In May, Austria set new temperature records at 46 weather stations. Lienz recorded the highest temperature of 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) on May 26. The city also had a record eight hot days in May. This beat the old record of three hot days set in 2001. May also had much less rain than usual and was the fifth sunniest May ever recorded.

On June 18, Austria's weather service announced a new heatwave. Highs between 30 and 36 °C (86 and 97 °F) were expected to continue. On June 20, temperatures reached 35 °C (95 °F) at five stations. Bad Deutsch-Altenburg recorded 36.0 °C (96.8 °F). This was the first time this temperature was reached in Austria this year. On June 21, 18 stations recorded at least 35.0 °C (95.0 °F).

By June 24, temperatures were expected to go over 35 °C (95 °F) in all state capitals. Vienna was forecast to reach 39 °C (102 °F) on June 27 and 28. The highest heat warnings were issued for much of northeastern Austria, including Vienna. The 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, a Formula One race, was declared a heat hazard. Temperatures at the race track were expected to reach 36 °C (97 °F).

On June 27, a temperature of 39.3 °C (102.7 °F) was measured in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. This broke a previous national June temperature record from 2013. New June records were set in six out of nine Austrian states. Vienna reached 38.8 °C (101.8 °F), and Innsbruck reached 38.7 °C (101.7 °F). On June 28, temperatures went over 39 °C (102 °F) at several stations. June temperature records were broken at 102 stations. Vienna measured 40.0 °C (104.0 °F), setting a new all-time June record for the capital.

Belgium

Between May 23 and 25, Uccle recorded temperatures over 28 °C (82 °F). In Brussels, temperatures peaked at 31 °C (88 °F) on May 25. On May 26, Uccle broke its daily temperature record from 1985, reaching 30.3 °C (86.5 °F).

Belgium experienced another heatwave in the second half of June. From June 20 to 25, temperatures were expected to reach between 32 and 39 °C (90 and 102 °F). On June 24, electricity prices went up because so many people were using air conditioning.

On June 26, the annual Battle of Waterloo re-enactment was cancelled. On June 27, Katy Perry's concert was cancelled due to severe thunderstorms.

Bulgaria

The Danubian Plain saw temperatures nearing 38 °C (100 °F) during late June 2026.

Croatia

Croatia experienced a heatwave in the second half of June. On June 19, the weather service reported temperatures reaching 32 °C (90 °F) in central Croatia. Coastal areas saw up to 34 °C (93 °F). Sunny and hot weather was expected to continue for several days. Overnight temperatures in coastal areas stayed warm, between 21 and 24 °C (70 and 75 °F). On June 26, a serious red alert was issued for much of Croatia's coast. Temperatures were expected to reach 34 °C (93 °F) in most of the country and up to 36 °C (97 °F) in the south. The heatwave was expected to peak by June 28, with highs of 39 °C (102 °F) in the country's interior.

Czechia

On June 27, the Czech Republic recorded its hottest day ever. The town of Doksany reached 40.6 °C (105.1 °F). This record was broken again the very next day, June 28, when temperatures reached 41.1 °C (106.0 °F) in Doksany. This was the first time 41°C was measured in the official Czech station network.

Denmark

On June 27, Denmark broke its all-time temperature record. It reached 36.6 °C (97.9 °F) north of Odense. Denmark has been keeping temperature records since 1874.

Estonia

On June 28, the Estonian Weather Service issued a yellow alert for the entire country. This was because of expected thunderstorms and bad weather. People were advised to be careful during outdoor activities. Temperatures were forecast to reach 30 °C (86 °F) by the end of the weekend.

Finland

Southern Finland experienced the heatwave during the weekend of June 27–28. Temperatures reached around 30 °C (86 °F).

France

Paris, 26 June at 17:28. A pharmacy's thermometer sign shows 44 °C (111 °F)

In May, France saw record-breaking temperatures. The national average was 24.9 °C (76.8 °F) on May 26, making it the hottest May on record. Angoulême-La Couronne recorded 37.8 °C (100.0 °F) on May 28. Sadly, some people's health was seriously affected by the heat in May.

Starting on June 22, overnight temperatures were the hottest since records began in 1947. The French weather service issued a red alert for 54 areas. The highest single temperature was 44.3 °C (111.7 °F) in Pissos. Parts of Western France were above 40 °C (104 °F). Bordeaux reached 41.1 °C (106.0 °F). Nearly half of France was affected.

There was a sad increase in drowning incidents. The Sports Minister stated that many people drowned while swimming in places without lifeguards. Emergency services received many more calls than usual. Sadly, the heat led to many health problems, and some people, including children, passed away. Many schools had to close or change their schedules because of the heat. Thousands of homes lost power.

By June 24, two-thirds of France was under a red alert. On June 25, 72 out of 96 areas were under red alert. Paris officials reported a big increase in calls to emergency services and hospital visits. Two nuclear power plants were shut down, and later a third. On June 25, the French Ministry of Health announced a big increase in emergency room visits for heat-related reasons.

On June 26, 50,000 homes were without power. In Paris, police said emergency services were overwhelmed by heat-related illnesses. Emergency services reported a much higher number of deaths than usual. In Paris, emergency services reported a very high number of deaths in one day.

Germany

May Heat

Temperatures rose above 30 °C (86 °F) for the first time in 2026 on May 23. Electricity prices went up due to more people using air conditioning.

Many weather stations recorded new records for the number of days above 30 °C (86 °F). In the Upper Rhine region, 6 to 7 hot days were recorded. Wutöschingen-Ofteringen recorded 9 hot days in May. The highest temperature in Germany in May 2026 was 34 °C (93 °F) in Regensburg on May 26.

June Heat

Germany experienced another heatwave in the second half of June. On June 17, temperatures already went over 30 °C (86 °F) at 25 weather stations. The maximum was 32.7 °C (90.9 °F) at Müllheim. Two days later, the heat spread to 441 stations, with a maximum of 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) in Kitzingen. From June 20 to 21, temperatures were expected to reach between 32 and 39 °C (90 and 102 °F) in central and southern Germany. The heatwave was likely to continue for at least one week. Highs around 40 °C (104 °F) were expected in the southwest. On June 25, the national railway, Deutsche Bahn, advised people not to travel because of risks like wildfires and storms.

On June 26, a new all-time national record high of 41.3 °C (106.3 °F) was measured in Saarbrücken. This broke the old June record from 2019. This all-time record was broken again on June 27 in Drewitz, reaching 41.5 °C (106.7 °F). By June 27, 13 of the 16 German states had broken their all-time temperature records. Some regional train services were suspended. Some highways had to close because the heat made the concrete crack. Trams in Leipzig stopped running because the asphalt melted. Around 160 people were moved from a nursing home due to the heat. Sadly, some people passed away.

Ireland

Ireland saw its highest May temperature on record. Both Clonmel and Killarney recorded 28.8 °C (83.8 °F). This beat the previous May record from 1997. On May 26, Shannon Airport recorded 30.6 °C (87.1 °F). The weather service reported that temperatures in south Ireland were much higher than the May average.

Italy

Red alerts were issued for Rome, Florence, Bologna, Brescia, and Turin on May 28. Temperatures reached 38 °C (100 °F) in many cities. The heat caused power outages in Turin.

On June 24, red alerts were issued for sixteen cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, and Turin.

On June 25, courts in Palermo had to stop some work because their air conditioning wasn't working. Sadly, some deaths were reported.

On June 26, Genoa became the 18th city under a red alert. The Uffizi Gallery changed its visiting hours. Fishers on the Po River noticed unusual algae growth, new types of crabs, and many clams dying because of the warm water. The river's water level dropped very low, and seawater flowed far upstream. Environmental groups warned about low water reserves.

Latvia

The Latvian weather service forecast "tropical nights" for the weekend of June 27-28 and the following Monday. This meant the lowest temperature would not drop below 30 °C (86 °F). Thunderstorms were expected to form on Monday.

Lithuania

The Lithuanian weather service anticipated highs of 37 °C (99 °F) for the weekend of June 26-27. Thunderstorms were expected shortly after. Temperatures of 30 °C (86 °F) for three or more days in a row are called a "kaitra," which means an extreme heat event.

Luxembourg

May records were met at several weather stations on May 26. However, none beat the national May record.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a heatwave means five days in a row of 25 °C (77 °F) or more. At least three of those days must reach 30 °C (86 °F) or more. During such times, the National Heatwave Plan was activated. Train services were reduced for safety. Water was sprayed on drawbridges to keep them working in the heat.

May Heat

On May 26, the temperature in Ell reached 30.7 °C (87.3 °F). This marked the beginning of the first Dutch heatwave of 2026.

Second Wave

The second heatwave began on June 18. The temperature in De Bilt reached 29.6 °C (85.3 °F). A day later, it rose to 33.4 °C (92.1 °F), marking the first "tropical day." On June 24, the second tropical day followed with 34 °C (93 °F). This heatwave became the longest ever recorded, lasting 11 days.

Record-Breaking Statistics

June 24 was the sixth time ever that tropical conditions (above 30 °C (86 °F)) were recorded across the entire country. It was also the first time for June. The night of June 24 was the hottest ever recorded for that month.

On the afternoon of June 25, the nationwide orange alert for June 26 was upgraded to a red alert for most areas. The red alert was extended to June 27.

The all-time June record from 1947 was broken by 39.4 °C (102.9 °F) in Ell on the afternoon of June 26, 2026.

Severe Thunderstorms

On the night of June 19, a severe thunderstorm hit the entire Benelux area. The Netherlands recorded over 188,307 lightning strikes, breaking the daily record. Significant storm damage occurred in eastern Groningen. Sadly, one person died when a tree fell during the storm. An alert was sent out because emergency services were very busy dealing with storm damage.

On June 26, the weather service issued its highest heat warning. This day also marked the first-ever "super-heatwave" in the Netherlands. Temperatures stayed above 35 °C (95 °F) for three consecutive days. Many events, including sports championships and music festivals, were cancelled due to the red alert. On June 27, a safety region declared it unsafe for outdoor gatherings.

A code orange alert was issued for severe thunderstorms from the afternoon of June 27 to the early morning of June 28. A record number of lightning strikes were recorded. Various regions were hit with hailstones up to 5 cm. A tram was hit by lightning and stopped. A historic barn burned down after being hit by lightning. There were several major house fires caused by lightning. Flash flooding also occurred in Dutch cities.

Other Heat Disruptions

During the second heatwave, many drawbridges stopped working across the Netherlands. Many towns halted all drawbridge operations, causing delays for boats.

Norway

In Norway, a heatwave means five or more consecutive days of 27 °C (81 °F) or higher. Temperatures have been higher than normal since early June.

Poland

Due to low rainfall in May, Poland faced a much higher risk of wildfires in its forests and national parks. Some towns set up water sprays for people to cool down. The national railway warned about damaged tracks and power lines, offering refunds for travel. On June 28, 2026, 40.5 °C (104.9 °F) was recorded in Słubice. This is the highest temperature ever recorded in Poland.

Portugal

Portugal faced very high temperatures, and yellow weather warnings were issued. These warnings covered risks to public health and a very high chance of wildfires. Most of Portugal had "tropical nights," meaning temperatures stayed above 20 °C (68 °F) even at night. Mora recorded 40.3 °C (104.5 °F) on May 27, setting the hottest May record nationally. Many other stations also recorded their highest maximum temperatures.

Slovakia

From mid-June 2026, the Slovak weather service issued many high-temperature warnings. Heat warnings were already in force on June 19. On June 22, first-level heat warnings were issued for areas where temperatures were expected to exceed 33 °C (91 °F). On June 24, the warning was raised to second level for June 25. Highs of around 35 °C (95 °F) were forecast.

Forecasters expected the heat to get stronger over the weekend. Highs near 38 °C (100 °F) were expected on June 27. Temperatures of 39 °C (102 °F) to 40 °C (104 °F) were forecast for southwestern Slovakia on June 28. By June 24, much of Slovakia was experiencing significant dry soil. The weather service warned of a high risk of wildfires. Health authorities gave advice to help people stay safe, especially children and the elderly. Temperatures in Bratislava stayed very high overnight.

Slovenia

Between May 25 and 27, the Slovenian weather agency recorded temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) at several stations. It reached as high as 33.5 °C (92.3 °F) at Cerklje ob Krki Airport on May 27.

On June 18, the agency announced that highs between 30 and 35 °C (86 and 95 °F) were expected to continue. This marked the beginning of Slovenia's first heatwave of 2026. On June 21, temperatures were expected to reach 36 °C (97 °F) in western Slovenia.

On June 24, the agency announced that the heatwave was expected to peak on June 28 or 29. Temperatures were likely to reach around 35 °C (95 °F) in most of Slovenia. They could get close to 40 °C (104 °F) in parts of the Littoral. The highest heat warning was in effect for most of southwestern Slovenia on June 27 and 28. On June 27, the agency recorded 37.4 °C (99.3 °F) in Dolenje. Temperatures rose above 33 °C (91 °F) in almost all lowland areas. The heat warnings were extended to June 29 and 30. The heatwave was expected to end with thunderstorms on July 1.

Spain

Temperatures in Spain began rising on May 19. By May 28, Santander Airport recorded six days with temperatures higher than 30 °C (86 °F). The Badajoz Airport had temperatures over 38 °C (100 °F) for the first time in May. Temperatures across southwestern Spain recorded highs of 37–39 °C (99–102 °F). Vinebre recorded 39.5 °C (103.1 °F), setting the hottest May temperature ever recorded in Catalonia. Sadly, the Health Ministry reported that many people were affected by the heat in May. On June 22, temperatures peaked at 45.1 °C (113.2 °F) in Andújar, southern Spain. Since June 21, many people have been affected by the heat, and sadly, some passed away.

By June 25, a system that tracks deaths estimated that many were linked to the heatwave. By June 26, a high number of heat-related deaths had been recorded.

Sweden

Orange warnings were issued for southern Sweden from June 25 onwards. Temperatures exceeded 30 degrees for the first time that day in Ronneby-Bredåkra with 30.6 °C (87.1 °F). They were forecast to reach up to 35 °C (95 °F) until Monday, June 29. On June 25, a long freight train derailed because the heat warped the tracks. No one was injured.

Switzerland

The unusually early heatwave set new daily highs in many stations in May. The freezing level in the mountains rose very high in May, which was unusual. Biasca recorded 34.8 °C (94.6 °F) on May 28. This was the highest May temperature ever recorded on the southern side of the Alps. Overall, May was the fourth hottest on record.

On June 25, the Swiss weather service announced temperatures had exceeded 37 °C (99 °F) in June for the first time since 1946. Basel reached 38.0 °C (100.4 °F). The next day, Binningen reached 38.8 °C (101.8 °F). On June 27, glacier experts announced that the winter's ice and snow were melting very early.

United Kingdom

On May 25, the highest spring temperature ever recorded in Great Britain was 34.8 °C (94.6 °F) at Kew Gardens. This broke the previous record by over 2°C. The next day, May 26, the record was broken again at Kew Gardens with 35.1 °C (95.2 °F). The heatwave led to 34.3 °C (93.7 °F) temperatures on London Underground trains. Sadly, some people died in water-related incidents across the country.

On June 22, the Met Office issued a red extreme heat warning for June 24 and 25. This was only the second time such a warning had been issued. The June temperature record was broken three days in a row from June 24 to 26. On June 24, the record was broken in Gosport, Hampshire with 36.1 °C (97.0 °F). On June 25, it was broken in Merryfield, Somerset with 36.7 °C (98.1 °F). On June 26, it was broken in Santon Downham, Norfolk with 37.3 °C (99.1 °F). The record before the heatwave was 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) set in 1957 and 1976.

The extreme heat was also felt in the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. On June 25, Jersey reached a temperature of 39.3 °C (102.7 °F). This is the highest temperature ever recorded on the island since records began in 1894.

On June 25, the highest overnight temperature on record was broken for the second time. It was 23.5 °C (74.3 °F) overnight in Cardiff, Wales.

Highest Temperatures by Country

Country	Temperature	Record	Date	Location
Austria	40.0 °C (104.0 °F)	June	28 June	Vienna
Belgium	38.4 °C (101.1 °F)		26 June	Kleine-Brogel
Czechia	41.9 °C (107.4 °F)	All-time	28 June	Doksany
Denmark	36.6 °C (97.9 °F)	All-time	27 June	Ødum
France	44.3 °C (111.7 °F)		23 June	Pissos
Germany	41.7 °C (107.1 °F)	All-time	28 June	Neißemünde-Coschen
Ireland	30.6 °C (87.1 °F)	May	26 May	Shannon Airport
Italy	39.2 °C (102.6 °F)		26 June	Piacenza
Luxembourg	41.4 °C (106.5 °F)	All-time	27 June	Remich
Netherlands	39.4 °C (102.9 °F)	All-time	26 June	Ell
Poland	40.5 °C (104.9 °F)	All-time	28 June	Słubice
Portugal	40.3 °C (104.5 °F)	May	27 May	Mora
Slovakia	39.8 °C (103.6 °F)	June	27 June	Kamenica nad Hronom
Slovenia	37.4 °C (99.3 °F)		27 June	Dolenje
Spain	45.1 °C (113.2 °F)		22 June	Andújar
Sweden	36.8 °C (98.2 °F)	June	27 June	Osby
Switzerland	38.8 °C (101.8 °F)	All-time	26 June	Binningen
United Kingdom	37.3 °C (99.1 °F)	June	26 June	Santon Downham
Guernsey	36.4 °C (97.5 °F)	All-time	25 June	Guernsey Airport
Jersey	39.3 °C (102.7 °F)	All-time	25 June	Maison St. Louis Observatory

See also

• Climate change in Europe
• 2025 European heatwaves
• European heat wave