BRUSSELS: A severe heatwave intensified across large parts of Europe on Sunday, pushing temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius and prompting health warnings, transport disruptions and growing concerns over the impact on vulnerable populations and wildlife.
The extreme weather coincided with the summer solstice, traditionally marking the beginning of the hottest period of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, raising fears that Europe could face an unusually early and prolonged spell of extreme heat.
Meteorologists attributed the soaring temperatures to a powerful mass of hot air moving northward from the Sahara Desert, driven by a high-pressure system known as the “African anticyclone.” The system has created a heat dome over western and central Europe, trapping hot air and causing temperatures to rise steadily over several days.
In Italy, authorities issued red heat alerts for eight major cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna and Turin, after temperatures remained above 35°C for several consecutive days. Officials urged residents, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, to limit outdoor activity during peak hours.
In Rome, thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square under intense heat as Pope Francis delivered the traditional Sunday prayer. Many attendees sought relief using umbrellas, parasols and portable fans.
Spain also remained under severe weather warnings, with the national meteorological agency AEMET issuing red and orange alerts across multiple regions. Forecasters warned that temperatures could exceed 40°C in parts of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, with the heatwave expected to persist until at least midweek.
The extreme conditions have begun affecting transport networks across the continent. In France, national rail operator SNCF cancelled dozens of intercity services after temperatures threatened critical infrastructure, including overhead power lines and railway tracks.
SNCF Chairman Jean Castex said thousands of personnel had been deployed to monitor the rail network and conduct emergency maintenance work. Authorities advised vulnerable passengers to postpone non-essential travel as disruptions continued on several major routes.
Germany also experienced intense heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 38°C in some areas. The German Weather Service issued warnings for severe thunderstorms across eastern regions, including Berlin, where heavy rain and strong winds disrupted outdoor events.
Organisers of the Berlin Open tennis tournament temporarily evacuated spectators as adverse weather conditions swept through the venue ahead of the singles final. Parts of the city’s annual Fete de la Musique festival were also affected by the sudden storms.
Wildlife rescue organisations reported increasing numbers of heat-related emergencies. Rescue centres in Belgium said they had admitted dozens of dehydrated and heat-stressed animals, particularly young birds unable to withstand extreme temperatures in exposed nests.
Environmental experts warned that the latest heatwave reflects a broader pattern of increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events across Europe, a trend widely linked to climate change.
Forecasters expect exceptionally high temperatures to persist across several European countries in the coming days, prompting authorities to maintain health and safety advisories as the continent enters the peak summer season.