Europe is preparing for its first major heatwave of the summer, with meteorologists warning that a powerful “heat dome” is set to engulf large parts of Western and Central Europe, pushing temperatures to dangerous levels in the coming days.
According to weather forecasts, parts of Portugal, Spain, and France could experience temperatures of up to 45°C, while several other European countries are expected to face prolonged periods of unusually intense heat.
A heat dome forms when a strong high-pressure system traps hot air near the Earth’s surface, preventing cooler air masses from moving in. This phenomenon can lead to temperatures soaring 14 to 18 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages across affected regions.
Spain, Portugal, and France are expected to be among the hardest-hit countries. In several French regions, temperatures could range between 41°C and 44°C, while Paris may endure multiple consecutive days with temperatures between 35°C and 40°C.
The extreme heat is also forecast to spread into Germany, the Benelux countries, the United Kingdom, and Italy, where temperatures are expected to regularly exceed 30°C. The Balkans are also likely to feel the effects, with most areas forecast to experience temperatures between 30°C and 35°C.
Climate and weather experts warn that the prolonged heat could worsen drought conditions, increase pressure on water resources, and significantly elevate the risk of wildfires across several European countries.
Current forecasts suggest that the high-pressure system may remain in place through the end of June, potentially extending the heatwave and creating challenging conditions for millions of people across the continent.
