Europe Endures Record-Breaking Heatwave with Near 40°C Temperatures and Severe Storms

Europe continues to face an intense and record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius in several major cities as of Sunday night, June 27, 2026. Berlin and Vienna recorded highs of up to 39°C, Prague reached 38°C, and Rome 36°C. Meanwhile, western European cities experienced somewhat cooler conditions, with Madrid at 32°C, Paris at 30°C, Brussels at 29°C, and London at 26°C.

Alongside the extreme heat, many countries are also dealing with severe weather phenomena such as thunderstorms and heavy rain. A notable lightning storm struck Paris overnight, with a lightning bolt hitting the Eiffel Tower, which remained closed to visitors due to the heatwave. Amsterdam experienced a prolonged thunderstorm lasting about five hours, producing intense lightning activity with approximately 30,000 strikes detected in 30 minutes across the Netherlands and northern Germany. Similar storm conditions were reported in Brussels.

France has been among the hardest hit by the heatwave this week, reporting at least 40 drowning deaths attributed to the extreme temperatures. The country has also seen widespread school closures, cancellation of outdoor events, and major disruptions to train schedules caused by heat-induced rail track expansion and damage to overhead power lines.

June 2026 is on track to become the hottest June ever recorded in Europe, with nearly half of the continent's 850 largest cities breaking or matching their historical June temperature records. France recorded its highest temperature ever, exceeding 44°C. The ongoing heatwave continues to strain infrastructure and public services across the continent.