An unprecedented heatwave is hitting Europe, with over 101 million people exposed to temperatures above 35°C. The consequences are already visible, with human losses and environmental impacts. Meteorological forecasts predict that this heatwave will continue in the coming days.
WE
Rédaction Weather IA
jeudi 25 juin 2026 à 15:32Updated lundi 29 juin 2026 à 13:465 min
The Heatwave in Europe: Figures and Affected Areas
The Heatwave in Europe: Figures and Affected Areas
At least 101 million Europeans were exposed to temperatures above 35°C on Thursday, according to meteorological forecasts. This unprecedented heatwave is hitting a large part of the continent, with visible consequences on health and the environment.
The Heatwave in Europe: Figures and Affected Areas
High temperatures are particularly concerning in urban areas, where the heat island effect can exacerbate the heat. Cities like Paris, London, and Berlin are among the most affected, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C during the day. Rural areas are not spared either, with temperatures frequently above 30°C, which can have significant impacts on agriculture and ecosystems.
Meteorological services, such as Météo France and the ECMWF, are closely monitoring the evolution of this heatwave and warn against health risks, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. It is essential to take protective measures, such as staying hydrated, avoiding intense physical activities during the hottest hours of the day, and using sun protection.
The Scientific Causes of the Heatwave
The current heatwave in Europe is the result of a combination of meteorological and climatic factors. A particularly stable and persistent anticyclone over Western Europe blocks the movement of cold air masses and allows temperatures to rise quickly. Additionally, climate warming due to human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, contributes to rising average temperatures and intensifies extreme events like heatwaves.
Indeed, the Earth is experiencing climate change, caused by the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, absorb the Sun's heat and reflect it back to the Earth's surface, leading to an increase in average temperature. Climate warming has numerous and varied impacts, including glacier melt, sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns, and temperatures.
Climate models predict that these extreme events will become more frequent and intense in the future, highlighting the importance of taking measures to reduce the effects of climate change and adapt to its impacts. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving the resilience of infrastructure and communities, and implementing early warning systems for meteorological events
