An unprecedented weather system turned much of Europe into a blazing hotspot, triggering one of the continent’s most severe heatwaves on record. As temperatures shatter records and the death toll rises, experts point to a powerful heat dome, a high-pressure system trapping scorching air over Europe, as the main driver behind the extreme conditions.
The continent with over 750million people is facing the most intense heatwaves in its recorded history. While Western Europe is beginning to see slight relief, the worst of the heat is now shifting into Central and Eastern Europe, where authorities are warning that the most dangerous days may still lie ahead. At the center of this extraordinary weather event is a powerful atmospheric phenomenon known as a heat dome, but what is it.
Imagine placing a lid on a boiling pot. The heat has nowhere to escape, so everything underneath becomes hotter and hotter. That is essentially what a heat dome does.
A heat dome forms when a large, slow-moving high-pressure system settles over a region for several days or even weeks. Instead of allowing warm air to rise and disperse, the high-pressure system traps it close to the ground. As the air sinks, it compresses and becomes even hotter. Clear skies then allow relentless sunshine to heat the land from morning until evening, while the absence of clouds and rain prevents any meaningful cooling.
The highest temperatures from this week’s record-breaking heatwave in Europe:
🇬🇧 37.3 C (99.1 F) in England
🇫🇷 44.3 C (111.7 F) in France
🇩🇪 41.5 C (106.7 F) in Germany
🇨🇿 40.7 C (105.4 F) in Czech Republic
🇳🇱 39.4 C (102.9 F) in the Netherlands
🇨🇭 38.7 C (101.8 F) in… pic.twitter.com/jzzcQw6IAP— Backpirch Weather (@BackpirchCrew) June 27, 2026
In this case, the heat dome was strengthened by an atmospheric pattern called an Omega block, named after the Greek letter because of its shape on weather maps. This pattern locked itself over Western and Central Europe, preventing cooler Atlantic weather systems from moving in.
To make matters worse, the circulation around the high-pressure system drew hot, dry air northward from North Africa, pushing temperatures far beyond what is normal for late June. Across many parts of Europe, temperatures have been running 10°C or more above average, creating life-threatening conditions.
Heat domes are natural weather events, but climate change has made them significantly more dangerous. Rising global temperatures mean that when these systems develop, they begin with a much warmer atmosphere, resulting in hotter and longer-lasting heatwaves.
The heatwave began building during May before rapidly intensifying in mid-June. Since then, numerous countries have shattered long-standing temperature records.
France experienced its hottest day ever recorded, with temperatures climbing above 44°C in some areas. Paris endured multiple days exceeding 40°C, prompting school closures, transport disruptions, and the highest level of weather alerts. Spain was among the earliest countries affected, with some regions reaching 45°C and setting new records for average daily temperatures. Northern and central Spain suffered particularly severe conditions.
Italy also experienced extreme heat, especially across northern and central regions. Cities including Bologna reached around 40°C, while Milan, Florence, and several other cities remained under red alert due to dangerous temperatures. UK, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and several neighbouring countries also experienced their hottest June conditions on record.
Poland recorded 38.9°C, setting a new June temperature record, while forecasters warned that western regions could climb to 42°C, threatening the country’s all-time national record. Germany also remained under intense heat, with preliminary readings reaching 41.3°C, potentially establishing a new national temperature record. Weather authorities warned that severe thunderstorms could accompany the shifting weather system. Even Denmark, traditionally known for its mild summers, experienced its hottest day since weather observations began in 1874, with temperatures exceeding 37°C. Britain also set a new June record after temperatures climbed to 37.3°C, although meteorologists say cooler conditions are finally approaching.
More than 1,300 excess deaths have already been linked to this heatwave across Europe. Italy has reported at least five heat-related deaths, while France has recorded at least 40 drowning fatalities during the unusually hot weather. French authorities also confirmed that three children died after being left inside parked vehicles. In Spain, official statistical models suggest that more than 200 recent deaths could eventually be attributed to the extreme temperatures.
Europe warmed faster than any other continent over the past three decades. Rising global temperatures have made heatwaves more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting, while also causing them to arrive earlier in the summer than in previous decades.
Heatwave to continue migrating eastward into early July, leaving Central and Eastern Europe facing several more days of dangerous temperatures even as Western Europe gradually cools. Authorities are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, check on elderly relatives and neighbours, and pay close attention to official weather advisories.
Europe heatwave claims over 1,300 lives in 9 days as health warnings issued
