A brutal heatwave is sweeping across much of Europe, with records already toppling in France and red alerts blanketing multiple countries — and Germany now bracing for what could become its hottest temperature ever recorded.
France smashes records as deaths mount
France is bearing the brunt of the extreme weather, with temperatures climbing as high as 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit). The country recorded its warmest night since measurements began in 1947, averaging 21.6 degrees Celsius overnight.
The highest heat warning level, red — itself a record under the current warning system — has been declared across 54 departments. Schools have been partially closed and exams postponed.
The current heatwave in France is reaching concerning levels. Temperatures are soaring around 40°C in areas like Nantes and Vendée. The country has endured its most stifling, record-breaking night since 1947, with temperatures of 28.7°C. At least 18 lives have been lost due to… pic.twitter.com/YBu9zvbgrE
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 23, 2026The human toll is already severe. According to the French government, 40 people, many of them minors, have died in swimming accidents since the heatwave began last Thursday.
Germany heading toward 41 degrees
Germany is now experiencing its own extreme and potentially record-breaking heat. Over the coming days, temperatures are expected to reach 38 to 40 degrees in many areas, with up to 41 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) possible locally. Even the nights offer little relief, with metropolitan area temperatures expected to hover at 24 to 25 degrees after dark.
The German Weather Service (DWD) warns of severe to extreme heat stress, particularly across the southwestern half of the country, and says no meaningful relief is in sight, with the heatwave expected to last at least the entire week.
One of the worst heatwaves in European history is underway.
Peak high temperatures forecast this week:
France: 45°C / 113°F Monday-Tuesday
London: 39°C / 102°F
Amsterdam: 34°C / 93°F
Berlin: 38°C / 100°F
Paris: 41°C / 106°F pic.twitter.com/1tBeFtHJ3x
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) June 22, 2026If Germany hits 41 degrees, it would put the country within striking distance of its all-time highest temperature record, which was recorded in July 2019 in Tönisvorst and Duisburg-Baerl, which hit 41.2 degrees. The hottest June day on record came on June 30, 2019, when Bernburg in Saxony-Anhalt hit 39.6 degrees.
The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) has urged the public not to underestimate the dangers of swimming, noting that several people have died in swimming accidents in recent days.
The prolonged dry spell is straining water supplies. The Brandenburg Wastewater and Water Association (MAWV) has called on residents in parts of Brandenburg southeast of Berlin to conserve water, warning that consumption threatens to outstrip production capacity. Garden irrigation, pool filling, and washing cars with drinking water should all be avoided.
Spain endures sweltering nights
Spain is also gripped by the heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees. On the coast of Almería in Andalusia, temperatures stayed above 30 degrees for a third consecutive night, even after sunset.
Heat warnings are in effect across large parts of the country, with the highest red alert level declared in some regions. Authorities are urging people to drink enough water, avoid physical exertion, and look out for the most vulnerable. The heat is expected to persist at least through Thursday, with experts linking the increasingly frequent and intense Spanish heatwaves to climate change.
England paralyzed by extreme heat
In England, temperatures of up to 40 degrees have forced many schools to shorten the day or close entirely, while some railway companies have cut services. Parts of southern England are under the red heat warning, the highest level, declared only once before.
