22/06/2026 16:28 - Internacionales
Mapa de Europa con tonos rojos y naranjas intensos, termómetros marcando temperaturas extremas sobre las principales ciudades, sol abrasador sobre el continente, estilo infografía periodística de crisis climática
Europe faces a scorching week with temperatures that will exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) in multiple regions, accompanied by risk of intense storms and hail in central Europe and the Balkans. The episode shows no signs of ending in the short term.
A mass of warm air originating from North Africa is spreading over much of the European continent, generating extremely high temperatures for this time of year. The phenomenon, which began during the weekend of June 21, 2026, will intensify throughout the week.
For context: A heat wave is a period of abnormally hot weather lasting more than two days. Europe has experienced increasingly frequent and intense heat waves in recent years due to climate change.
Health and meteorological authorities in multiple countries have activated maximum alert protocols, especially concerned about nighttime heat records that make rest difficult and increase health risks for vulnerable populations.
Multiple all-time nighttime heat records were broken during the night of Sunday to Monday. Half the country is under maximum alert for an unprecedented heat episode for the start of summer.
This episode could surpass the historic August 2003 heat wave, which caused approximately 15,000 deaths in France alone.
Temperatures running 5 to 10 degrees above normal for this time of year. Thermometers will exceed 40-42°C (104-108°F) in:
The Italian Ministry of Health declared Level 3 (red alert) in eight major cities:
| Bologna | Bolzano |
| Brescia | Florence |
| Milan | Perugia |
| Rieti | Turin |
Maximum temperatures: up to 10°C above seasonal average. Milan: 36-38°C (97-100°F). Turin: up to 39°C (102°F). Rome and Naples: 36°C (97°F).
The country faces a new episode of very hot weather that could become the second heat wave in less than a month, associated with the African warm air mass.
Additional concern: elevated risk of rural wildfires in inland areas.
The Balkans refer to the southeastern European region including countries like Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Serbia.
| Country | Maximum Temperatures | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | Up to 37°C (99°F) | Possibly its warmest week ever recorded. Brussels has no outdoor public pools. |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Up to 38°C (100°F) Friday | Second week of heat wave. Yellow alert across nearly all territory. |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Up to 40°C (104°F) Thursday | Worst conditions in west and southwest. Continuous increase in days exceeding 30°C. |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | Up to 37°C (99°F) in Vienna | Heat will intensify through weekend. Storms expected in mountainous regions. |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | Up to 37°C (99°F) in Prague Saturday | Persistent heat since the weekend. |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | 35-38°C (95-100°F) | Orange alert for high temperatures. Rain and flooding, no lasting relief. |
| 🇷🇴 Romania | Up to 34°C (93°F) | Heat wave combined with atmospheric instability. |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 29-36°C (84-97°F) | Temperatures rising toward weekend. |
| 🇦🇱 Albania / 🇲🇰 North Macedonia / 🇲🇪 Montenegro | Up to 37°C (99°F) | Balkans under intense heat wave. |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia / 🇸🇮 Slovenia / 🇧🇦 Bosnia | Up to 36°C (97°F) | Warmest regions with extreme maximums. |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | Up to 33°C (91°F) | Storms and possible hail in north and west. |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | 32-35°C (90-95°F) | Northern winds act as a "barrier." Maximums typical for the season. |
Elevated risk of rural fires, especially in inland areas of Portugal and Spain. In Greece, two wildfires on the islands of Euboea and Syros during the weekend prompted preventive evacuations (now controlled).
Heavy rain and storms in central Europe and the Balkans. Hungary recorded flash floods and falling trees. Possible hail in Serbia.
Authorities recommend avoiding sun exposure during central hours, staying hydrated, and monitoring vulnerable populations (elderly, children, people with chronic conditions).
The German Weather Service (DWD) has documented a notable climate shift: a decade ago, years with more than ten days exceeding 30°C were exceptional (2006, 2015). However, recent data shows a sustained increase:
This trend reflects the impact of climate change in Europe, where heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent, intense, and prolonged. Scientists warn that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, such extreme weather events will become the new normal across the continent.
Source: Agencia EFE via Infobae (June 22, 2026). Meteorological data sourced from national weather services of each mentioned country. Original article (Spanish)
Alfredo S. Quiroga
