France 24 • June 20, 2026 12:45

Europe swelters in gruelling heatwave, authorities ramp up warnings

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A severe heatwave is sweeping across much of Europe, prompting emergency meetings in France, nationwide warnings in Germany and strains on tourists and residents in Italy. Temperatures climbed to record levels, and are set to hit 40°C (105.0 °F). Details by Shirli Sitbon.

Story Timeline

Wed 10:43 - Euronews

‘This isn’t just another hot week’: Europe to swelter in 40°C with experts warning of hidden dangers

Fri 06:37 - Euronews

'Explosive cocktail': El Niño raises fears of summer wildfires in Portugal

Fri 14:22 - Sky News (UK)

'Muggier' heatwave could hit 34C as extreme heat warning issued

Fri 23:39 - BBC Headlines

Cooler Saturday gives brief relief before heat returns

Sat 08:48 - Euronews

France swelters in heatwave as temperatures look set to hit 40C

Sat 11:45 - Sky News (UK)

Europe swelters as heatwave intensifies - with temperatures of up to 44C forecast

Sat 12:45 - France 24

Europe swelters in gruelling heatwave, authorities ramp up warnings

Different Perspectives

BBC Headlines

1 article

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23:39

Cooler Saturday gives brief relief before heat returns

After a slightly cooler Saturday, temperatures will rise again, possibly touching 35C by Tuesday with a Met Office amber extreme heat warning set to come into force.

Euronews

3 articles

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08:48

France swelters in heatwave as temperatures look set to hit 40C

Nearly two-thirds of France is now under an orange heatwave alert as people battle extreme temperatures across the country.

06:37

'Explosive cocktail': El Niño raises fears of summer wildfires in Portugal

The European Commission has confirmed that El Niño is almost certain this year, which could affect Europe. Speaking to Euronews, climatologist Carlos da Camara warns of a possible heatwave and …

10:43

‘This isn’t just another hot week’: Europe to swelter in 40°C with experts warning of hidden dangers

Experts are warning the public about the dangers of ‘tropical nights’.

Sky News (UK)

2 articles

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11:45

Europe swelters as heatwave intensifies - with temperatures of up to 44C forecast

An ongoing heatwave has triggered weather warnings across Europe, with several nations - including the UK - bracing for what could be one of the hottest June days on record.

14:22

'Muggier' heatwave could hit 34C as extreme heat warning issued

An extreme heat warning is in force for early next week as a high-humidity heatwave builds to a peak that could see temperatures top 34C (93F).