Europe is bracing for a severe heat wave caused by a heat dome
In the second half of June, the weather in Europe will change dramatically due to the formation of a large high-pressure system, which will create a so-called “heat dome.” Under its influence, tropical air will accumulate over the continent, leading to a prolonged and intense heat wave.
The highest temperatures are already being recorded in southern Europe, and the heat will intensify in the coming days.
It will hit Portugal, Spain, the central and southern regions of France, and Italy the hardest.
In these countries, air temperatures will regularly reach +35…+43°C. The most persistent heat is forecast for the Iberian Peninsula, where the high-pressure system will linger the longest.
The heat wave will also affect Poland. Temperatures there are expected to rise to +30…+36°C on June 19–22, though the heat will be shorter-lived than in southern Europe.
Forecasters warn that these conditions may coincide with the start of summer and the tourist season, but at the same time pose serious risks to health and infrastructure.
Experts note that temperatures are measured in the shade at a height of 2 meters, but in direct sunlight they can be 10–20°C higher, increasing the risk of wildfires and exacerbating drought conditions.
This is particularly dangerous for people who work outdoors.
In some regions of Europe, temperatures will deviate from normal by +8…+16°C.
Warmer weather is also expected in Ukraine in the coming days, though extreme heat is not yet forecast.
Meteorologist Vitaliy Postrygan notes that the country will continue to experience more comfortable weather.
“According to preliminary forecasts, moderately warm weather without heat will persist through the end of the week,” the expert said.
This was reported by dobrapogoda24.
In Spain, May 2026 was a record-breakingly difficult month due to a heat wave that claimed the lives of at least 101 people. This is the highest figure for that month in the last 11 years of observations, and it is more than three times the average for the previous decade. Authorities attribute the rise in mortality specifically to the impact of extremely high temperatures.
Spanish resorts have introduced new, strict rules for tourists.
Spainbroke a historic tourism record in 2025 — AP.
Spain has repatriatedits citizens from Venezuelan prisons — Reuters.
