Paris, France. A heatwave intensified across western Europe on Monday, with France placing nearly half the country under its highest weather alert and Britain preparing for temperatures approaching 38C. Authorities across the continent warned of growing risks to health, infrastructure and public services.
Heat dome drives prolonged high temperatures
The conditions are being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, trapped beneath a high-pressure system known as the “African anticyclone”, creating a heat dome over much of western Europe. Meteorologists said the system is allowing temperatures to build day after day and could extend the extreme conditions through much of the week.
France activates crisis measures
France was among the countries hardest hit by the latest heatwave. Météo-France placed 49 departments under red alert on Monday, its highest warning level, with temperatures forecast to reach 42C in several regions and potentially rise higher in the southwest.
Authorities also warned of exceptionally warm nights, with temperatures staying above 20C in many urban areas and offering limited relief from daytime heat. The government activated crisis measures, restricted some outdoor activities and public alcohol consumption, and ordered the closure of hundreds of schools.
More than 800 schools were due to remain shut on Monday, while thousands of others adjusted schedules to protect pupils and staff from the extreme heat.
Transport services face disruption
Transport networks in France were also under pressure. Rail operator SNCF cancelled dozens of services and deployed thousands of workers to monitor tracks and overhead power lines vulnerable to heat damage. The company advised vulnerable passengers to postpone travel where possible.
Spain and Italy maintain warnings
In Spain, the country’s first official heatwave of 2026 showed little sign of easing. Temperatures around 40C were recorded across large parts of the country, prompting red and orange alerts and renewed concern about wildfire risks. Authorities said the heatwave was expected to continue until at least Thursday.
Italy kept red alerts in several major cities, including Rome, Milan and Florence. Authorities urged residents and tourists to avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Britain expands extreme heat warnings
The heat also spread northwards. In Britain, the Met Office expanded extreme heat warnings and forecast temperatures that could reach 38C later this week, threatening longstanding June records.
Health authorities issued alerts covering large parts of England and Wales, warning of increased pressure on hospitals, transport networks and care services. Forecasters said some areas could approach 40C if conditions intensify further.
Climate trend and expected peak
Scientists said the latest episode fits a broader pattern of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves linked to climate change. Europe has already experienced an unusually early heatwave this year, and forecasters warned that extreme temperatures are becoming more likely as global temperatures continue to rise.
The current heatwave is expected to peak across much of western Europe between Monday and Thursday before cooler Atlantic air begins to arrive later in the week, although meteorologists cautioned that some regions could continue to experience above-average temperatures well into early July.