PARIS, FRANCE / EuroWire / – A severe European heatwave intensified Monday, pushing temperatures near or above 40°C across large areas of France, Spain, Italy and other parts of the continent. Authorities issued health warnings, closed schools, limited some outdoor events and moved to protect transport networks. The heat arrived at the start of summer, after an unusually warm late May across western Europe.
France faced some of the most serious disruption. Météo-France placed 49 departments under red heatwave alert for Monday and put 40 others under orange alert. Forecasts showed local highs of 41°C to 42°C from parts of Brittany and the Loire Valley toward Nouvelle-Aquitaine. French officials also ordered 845 schools and colleges to close, while around 1,800 others adjusted hours.
The heat also hit public life and transport. France restricted public alcohol consumption in areas under red alert during weekend music events. Outdoor sports and some cultural events faced limits or cancellations. SNCF canceled 71 intercity trains on key routes through Monday, citing risks to tracks and overhead power lines. The operator mobilized staff to monitor infrastructure and handle urgent repairs.
Heat alerts spread
Spain entered its first official heatwave of 2026 as highs reached around 40°C in several regions. AEMET issued orange alerts in 13 of Spain’s 17 regions and placed the Basque Country under red alert. The agency said the heatwave would continue at least through Thursday. Officials warned residents about sun exposure, dehydration and wildfire risk as hot conditions spread across the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca.
Italy expanded red heat warnings to eight cities in northern and central areas. The affected cities included Milan, Florence, Bologna and Turin. Temperatures in those areas stayed mostly in the upper 30s Celsius. Germany also issued heat warnings, while parts of the country faced storms after high temperatures. In Belgium, wildlife rescue centers reported more heat stressed animals, with young birds among the most affected.
Health risks rise
The United Kingdom also moved into alert status. The Met Office issued amber extreme heat warnings from Monday through Thursday for large parts of southern England and parts of Wales. Forecasts showed temperatures widely above 35°C, with peaks of 38°C possible on Wednesday and Thursday. Overnight lows in many urban areas may stay above 20°C, reducing relief from daytime heat.
The heatwave has put health agencies on alert across Europe, especially for older people, outdoor workers, children and people with existing illness. WHO Europe says heat stress remains the leading cause of climate related death in the region. Copernicus Climate Change Service said western Europe already had an exceptionally early and intense heatwave in late May, when several countries broke May temperature records.