PARIS — European countries prepared for continued extreme heat on Thursday as temperatures remained well above seasonal norms and weather agencies warned that record-breaking conditions could persist across parts of the continent, prompting health alerts, transport disruptions and emergency measures.
Authorities in France, Britain, Spain, Italy and several other countries maintained heat warnings after a prolonged period of exceptionally high temperatures that has broken local and national records. According to national meteorological agencies and government officials, some areas recorded temperatures typically associated with the peak of summer rather than late June.
In France, officials expanded the highest-level heat alerts to dozens of administrative districts, while schools, public facilities and transportation services adjusted operations to reduce risks associated with the heat. The government also reported multiple drownings in recent days as people sought relief in rivers, lakes and coastal areas during the hot weather.
Britain recorded its hottest June day on record this week, according to provisional figures from the Met Office. The UK Health Security Agency issued a rare red heat-health alert for several regions, warning of potential impacts on health services, transport networks and infrastructure.
Italy placed numerous cities under maximum heat alerts, while Spanish authorities continued warnings about dangerous conditions in several regions. Public health agencies urged residents, particularly older people and those with existing medical conditions, to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
The heatwave follows an unusually warm spring in parts of western Europe. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said earlier this month that western Europe experienced an exceptionally early and intense heatwave in May, with temperatures in some locations reaching more than 10 degrees Celsius above average. Numerous local and national temperature records were set during that period.
Weather forecasters attributed the current conditions largely to a persistent high-pressure system, sometimes referred to as an “Omega block” or heat dome, which has trapped hot air over much of western and southern Europe.
“This is only the second red alert ever issued,” the UK Health Security Agency said in guidance accompanying its warning, highlighting the potential for widespread disruption beyond direct health impacts.
As of Thursday, meteorological services across Europe said temperatures were expected to remain exceptionally high in several countries, with additional records possible before conditions begin to ease. Details on the duration and intensity of the heat in individual regions remained subject to updated forecasts.
