Europe is being hit by the first major heat wave of the year. In some countries, temperatures will be 5–11°C above normal in the coming days, and in Spain, the air could heat up to nearly +40°C. Learn more about where record temperatures are expected, how the heat dome will affect the weather, and why the heat in Europe is becoming increasingly dangerous

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Europe is bracing for its first major heat wave of the year. By the end of May, temperatures in several countries will exceed the seasonal average by 5–11°C, and in some regions of Spain, forecasters predict highs of nearly 38–40°C. The most extreme conditions are expected in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Germany, where new temperature records for this time of year are possible.

Meteorologists attribute the sharp warming to the so-called “heat dome”—a powerful high-pressure system that traps hot air over Europe and prevents the atmosphere from cooling. As a result, the heat is intensifying, and precipitation is sharply decreasing. According to Bloomberg, in some cities, temperatures in the coming days will be more typical of July than of late May.

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Europe is being hit by the first major heatwave of 2026

In the coming days, most of Western and Southern Europe will be under the influence of a powerful anticyclone, which meteorologists call a “heat dome.” This atmospheric phenomenon traps hot air near the Earth’s surface and prevents cooler air masses from altering the weather conditions. As a result, temperatures are rising rapidly, and the sky remains almost cloudless.

According to forecasters, temperatures in some countries will be 5–11°C higher than the average for late May. The most extreme conditions are expected in the United Kingdom, France, and Spain. In some regions of the Iberian Peninsula, temperatures could reach +38°C, which is already approaching summer temperature records.

The heat will be particularly unusual for the UK. Temperatures in London are forecast to reach up to +32°C in the coming days—a very high figure for late May. In France, temperatures in Paris will rise to around +31°C, and in the southwest of the country, they may exceed +35°C.

Forecasters also note that after several weeks of unstable weather with thunderstorms and sharp temperature swings, Europe is entering a drier and calmer period. However, along with the sunny weather, the risks of urban heat islands, health issues for people with cardiovascular diseases, and increased strain on power grids are rising.

Which countries will be the hottest?

Forecasters predict the highest temperatures in Western and Southern Europe. In many regions, the weather will feel more like mid-summer than late May. According to meteorologists, some cities may approach historical temperature records for this time of year.

United Kingdom

In London, temperatures will rise to around +32°C. British forecasters have already called the upcoming heatwave one of the most notable early heat events in recent years. For comparison: the average daily temperature in the UK capital at the end of May is usually around +18…+20°C.

France

In Paris, temperatures are forecast to reach around +31°C, while in southwestern France, the air could warm up to +35°C. The situation is expected to be particularly severe in the country’s inland regions, where the heat will feel even more intense due to dry weather.

Spain

Spain will be one of the main epicenters of the abnormal heat. In some parts of the country, forecasters predict temperatures up to +38°C, and locally, temperatures may even approach +40°C. Such figures are more typical for July or August than for spring.

Germany

In Germany, temperatures will also exceed the norm. Temperatures of +27…+30°C are expected in a number of cities, and due to light winds and dry weather, the risk of local fires and overheating in major cities is increasing.

Comparison of forecast temperatures with the climate norm in the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. Source: Atmospheric G2 / ECMWF IFS.

Why are heat waves in Europe becoming increasingly intense?

Climatologists note that Europe is increasingly facing abnormally high temperatures as early as spring. While the most dangerous heat waves used to occur mainly in July or August, extreme weather now begins much earlier and lasts longer.

Global climate change is cited as one of the main causes. Due to rising average atmospheric temperatures, “heat domes” form more frequently, and the heat becomes more intense. According to European climate services, the past decade has been the warmest on record in Europe.

Soil drying plays an additional role. When the ground loses moisture, it cools the air less effectively through evaporation. As a result, surface temperatures continue to rise rapidly, and the likelihood of rain decreases.

Large cities are particularly hard hit by the heat. Asphalt, concrete, and dense urban development accumulate heat during the day and release it slowly at night. Because of this, temperatures in megacities can be several degrees higher than in the suburbs.

According to researchers’ estimates, more than 70,000 people died in Europe during the massive heat waves of 2022. Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom were hit the hardest. That is why meteorologists are increasingly citing extreme heat as one of the greatest climate threats to Europe.

How will the heat affect daily life, energy, and travel?

Abnormal heat could affect not only people’s well-being but also the operation of transportation, energy systems, and tourism infrastructure in Europe in the coming days. The greatest risks are expected in large cities, where temperatures are traditionally felt much more intensely due to dense urban development and a lack of green spaces.

Due to the heat, the use of air conditioners and cooling systems will surge in many countries. This will place additional strain on power grids, particularly in France, Spain, and Italy. At the same time, sunny weather will increase electricity generation from solar power plants. However, wind power generation in France and Germany will temporarily decrease due to light winds.

The heat may also create problems for transportation:

- Overheating of railroad tracks;

- Delays on some trains;

- Increased strain on public transportation;

- Increased risk of wildfires near highways and tourist regions.

Tourists traveling through Southern Europe are advised to be especially cautious. In popular destinations in Spain, France, and Portugal, daytime temperatures may be dangerous for extended excursions or active outdoor recreation.

Doctors also warn of risks for people with cardiovascular diseases, children, and the elderly. During heat waves, medical services in Europe traditionally report an increase in cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and breathing difficulties.

What do doctors and meteorologists recommend during extreme heat?

During extreme heat waves, medical professionals advise paying close attention to hydration and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. The most dangerous time of day is considered to be between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when temperatures and UV radiation levels peak.

Experts recommend:

- Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty;

- Avoid intense physical activity during the day;

- Wear light-colored and lightweight clothing;

- Use sunscreen;

- Stay in cool or air-conditioned rooms whenever possible.

Weather forecasters also highlight the risks for tourists. Due to high temperatures, popular cities in Southern Europe may be less comfortable for long walks, especially in the afternoon. In some regions of Spain and France, the temperature of asphalt and surfaces in the sun can exceed +50°C.

Doctors also urge people not to leave children or pets in locked cars, even for a few minutes. According to European health authorities, the temperature inside a car on a sunny day can rise to dangerous levels in less than 10 minutes.

Forecasters warn that the current heat wave may be just the beginning of a difficult summer season for Europe. Climate models indicate that in 2026, the continent faces a high risk of new temperature records and prolonged periods of drought.

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