Europe faces prolonged heatwave as temperatures near 40C

PARIS: A severe heatwave gripped large parts of Europe on Sunday, with temperatures approaching 40C and authorities issuing warnings as transport networks, wildlife centres and tourist sites came under strain.

The surge in heat came on June 21, the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, which typically marks the beginning of the hottest three months of the year. The conditions raised concerns about an early and sustained spell of extreme weather across the region.

Meteorologists said the rise in temperatures is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, strengthened by a high-pressure system known as the African anticyclone. They said the system is creating a heat dome over western and central Europe, trapping hot air and allowing temperatures to build over successive days.

Alerts issued across southern Europe

After several days with temperatures above 35C, Italian authorities issued a red alert for June 21 in eight cities, including Bologna, Florence, Milan and Turin. In Rome, pilgrims in St Peter's Square used parasols and umbrellas for shade as Pope Francis led the traditional Sunday prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace.

In Spain, residents and visitors in Madrid turned to fans and cold drinks as they moved through the El Rastro flea market. Spain's AEMET weather agency issued red and orange warnings in several regions, saying temperatures above 39C to 40C were expected across large areas of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca, and warning that the heatwave would continue at least until midweek.

A tourist in Madrid, Haily San Cesario, a 22-year-old engineer from Miami, described the conditions in the city.

“I'm dressed all in white because it's so hot, and I'm carrying my little electric fan everywhere I go,” said Haily San Cesario, a 22-year-old engineer from Miami.

French rail services disrupted

The high temperatures have also begun to affect infrastructure. Speaking at Paris' Gare Montparnasse station, SNCF chief Jean Castex said the rail network was strongly affected because extreme heat can damage overhead power lines and cause tracks to expand.

He said 3,500 staff had been deployed to monitor the network, while another 2,000 would carry out emergency repairs. Castex also advised vulnerable passengers to postpone travel. The rail operator cancelled 71 intercity trains until Monday on major routes.

Storms hit Germany as heat persists

In Germany, where temperatures have already climbed to 38C, the DWD weather service warned of severe thunderstorms in eastern areas including Berlin. Heavy rain disrupted the open-air Fete de la Musique festival in the capital.

Organisers also evacuated the grounds of the Berlin Open after heavy rain and strong winds struck while spectators were waiting for the singles final between American Jessica Pegula and Czech player Linda Noskova.

Wildlife centres report pressure

Wildlife rescuers in Belgium also reported increasing pressure. A rescue centre near Namur said it had taken in around 150 animals suffering from heat stress in recent days, with young birds among the most vulnerable.

CREAVES founder Romain De Jaegere said nestlings were especially exposed to the heat because they may leave their nests rather than remain in dangerous temperatures.

“Nestlings prefer to jump rather than let themselves die ⁠and literally cook in their nests,” said CREAVES founder Romain De Jaegere, adding that centres across Belgium were overwhelmed.

Experts said the situation reflects a broader pattern, with heatwaves in Europe becoming more frequent and more intense because of climate change.