Live: Europe swept by severe early Summer heatwave

Europe is experiencing an intense early heatwave in late June 2026, with sweltering temperatures shattering seasonal records across western and southern Europe. Many regions in Spain, France and Italy have hit nearly 40 degrees Celsius, prompting orange and red heat alerts nationwide. France has restricted outdoor drinking at public events and adjusted railway schedules to prevent track deformation under high temperatures. Heat-related illnesses and accidental drownings have been reported, forcing local governments to open cooling shelters for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children. Meanwhile, dry conditions sharply increase wildfire risk in Mediterranean coastal areas, threatening forests and residential areas. Climate scientists warn that such frequent, early extreme heat is a clear symptom of global warming. Governments are urged to strengthen long-term heat response plans and accelerate carbon-reduction efforts to curb worsening extreme weather.