23/06/2026 16:08 - Internacionales
Europe is going through a historic heatwave that is breaking records in multiple countries. The phenomenon, originated by a mass of warm air coming from North Africa, has generated extreme temperatures oscillating between 35°C and 42°C in a large part of the continent.
Authorities in several countries have activated emergency protocols while citizens seek refuge from the suffocating heat. Meteorologists warn that this heatwave could be one of the most intense recorded in decades.
The Gallic country broke historic records for nighttime heat, with temperatures not dropping below 25°C even during the early morning. Half of French territory is under maximum alert, including Paris and other important cities.
Temperatures reach between 40°C and 42°C in the eastern Cantabrian region and the valleys of the great rivers (Ebro, Tagus, Guadiana, Guadalquivir). Authorities recommend avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours.
| Country | Temperatures | Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 35-40°C | Red alert level 3 in 8 cities: Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Milan, Perugia, Rieti and Turin |
| Portugal | 38-40°C | Second heatwave in less than a month |
| Belgium | Up to 37°C | Possibly its warmest week ever recorded |
| Netherlands | Up to 38°C | Alert for extreme temperatures on Friday |
| Germany | Up to 40°C | Extreme temperatures in west and southwest, continuous increase of days above 30°C |
| Austria | Up to 37°C | Extreme heat in Vienna and eastern regions |
| Czech Republic | Up to 37°C | Orange alert in Prague for Saturday |
| Hungary | 35-38°C | Orange alert throughout the territory |
| Balkans | Up to 37°C | Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro under alert |
| Greece | 38-40°C | Controlled fires in Euboea and Syros |
A heatwave is a prolonged period of excessively high temperatures, generally accompanied by high humidity. This phenomenon originates when a mass of hot air stagnates over a region, preventing normal air circulation and causing a sustained increase in temperatures.
In this particular case, the air mass comes from North Africa, a region characterized by its extreme temperatures, which explains the intensity of the current phenomenon in Europe.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
