Western and Central Europe faces prolonged extreme heat with temperatures above seasonal norms

Paris, France. Western and Central Europe is experiencing a major extreme weather event, with sweltering conditions expected to persist for at least the next four days and temperatures reaching into the 40s. France, parts of southern Spain and Portugal are at the center of the phenomenon.

Heat far above seasonal averages

Temperatures are running 8 to 10 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average based on the 1991 to 2020 period. In some areas, temperatures could rise as much as 15 degrees above the June average.

France and Central Europe under pressure

Conditions are expected to worsen early next week, with France declaring red alert in many districts. Central Europe is also affected, particularly Germany and the Czech Republic, where humid and sultry conditions are adding to the heat.

Paris approaches record levels

Paris is expected to record exceptionally high temperatures in the coming days. The highest recent temperature cited for the city was 36.7 degrees Celsius in 1947.