Europe is battling one of its most severe heatwaves on record, with Spain reporting 1,028 heat‑related deaths as temperatures continue to break historic highs across the continent. Climate experts warn that global warming is making such extreme events increasingly frequent and dangerous.
Spain has endured its hottest first six months ever recorded, according to national weather agency Aemet, with average temperatures 1.6°C above normal. June 2026 became the country’s second‑hottest June, registering temperatures 3.2°C above the seasonal average. The agency noted that seven of the warmest first semesters have occurred in the past decade, underscoring the accelerating impact of climate change.
The heatwave has disrupted transport, strained power grids, and triggered emergency health alerts across Europe. The World Weather Attribution group described the event as the most severe June heatwave ever recorded in Europe, stating it would have been “virtually impossible” without human‑induced climate change.
Multiple countries shattered all‑time temperature records. Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary reported their highest temperatures since records began. Slovakia set a new national record at 40.5°C, surpassing its previous 40.3°C mark. The UK and Switzerland also logged their hottest June temperatures, while France experienced its highest‑ever average nighttime temperatures, preventing relief from daytime heat.
Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute confirmed that the death toll from heat‑related causes has more than doubled compared to June 2025, when 407 deaths were recorded. Health authorities have urged residents to avoid outdoor activity, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable individuals as temperatures show no sign of easing.
Scientists say Europe’s extreme heat is part of a broader global trend, with ocean temperatures in June reaching unprecedented highs and amplifying heatwaves across multiple regions.