A widespread heatwave swept across much of Europe, pushing temperatures close to 40°C and triggering red alerts, transport disruption and growing pressure on health systems, infrastructure and wildlife during the summer solstice period.

Meteorologists say the extreme conditions are being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, strengthened by a high-pressure system known as the “African anticyclone”, which is trapping heat over western and central Europe in a “heat dome” effect.

Authorities issued nationwide warnings across several countries, with Italy placing eight cities (including Bologna, Florence, Milan and Turin) under red alert after days of temperatures exceeding 35°C.

In Rome, crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square sought relief under umbrellas and parasols as Pope Francis delivered his traditional Sunday prayer from the Apostolic Palace window.

Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET issued red and orange alerts across large parts of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca, warning that temperatures could exceed 40°C in some areas.

In Madrid, residents and tourists attempted to cope with the heat at outdoor markets, relying on fans, water and shaded areas as conditions intensified.

Transport disruption

In France, national rail operator SNCF said services were “strongly impacted” by the extreme temperatures, which risk warping tracks and affecting overhead power lines.

SNCF chief Jean Castex said 3,500 staff had been deployed to monitor the network, with dozens of intercity services cancelled and vulnerable passengers urged to delay travel.

Authorities warned that continued high temperatures could further disrupt transport systems across the region as infrastructure comes under sustained thermal stress.

Storms in central Europe

Germany experienced temperatures reaching up to 38°C in some areas, followed by severe thunderstorms that disrupted outdoor events in Berlin, including the Fête de la Musique festival.

Heavy rain and strong winds forced evacuations at parts of the Berlin Open as organisers responded to rapidly changing weather conditions.

Wildlife and environmental stress

Animal rescue centres in Belgium reported a surge in cases linked to heat stress, with young birds among the most affected.

A rescue centre near Namur said it had taken in around 150 heat-affected animals in recent days, warning that nestlings were particularly vulnerable as extreme heat forces early and often fatal attempts to escape nests.

Experts say the situation reflects a broader pattern of increasingly frequent and intense European heatwaves linked to climate change, raising concerns about long-term environmental and public health impacts.

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News heatwave Extreme weather Europe African anticyclone summer heat Belgium Mallorca Germany Heavy rains