2026 European heatwaves

Beginning in late May 2026, several severe heatwaves affected Europe, breaking temperature records in numerous countries and contributing to heat-related deaths. A more severe episode began on 17 June, bringing exceptionally high temperatures to France and the United Kingdom. Further heat in July affected the United Kingdom. The events were also associated with forest fires, widespread drought, unusually shallow major rivers, and discussion of climate-change adaptation.

First heatwave began: 24 May 2026
Second heatwave began: 17 June 2026
Reported excess deaths: Over 5,600 by 5 July

Sources and credits

Article: 2026 European heatwaves (English Wikipedia)
Wikidata: Q139961792
Text: Card text is adapted from the English Wikipedia article by an automated summary. Wikipedia content is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for its contributors. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Article history and contributors
Illustration: By European Space Agency. Attribution · File page on Wikimedia Commons
European Space Agency, Hot surfaces during Europe's heatwave 'seen' by Sentinel-3
Modifications: Resized and converted to WebP
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