**Title: European Heatwave: Temperatures Soar Above 40°C as France Reports Three Heat-Related Deaths**
**Date: June 22, 2026**
A severe heatwave is currently sweeping across Europe, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several regions. The extreme weather has already resulted in the deaths of three individuals in France, highlighting the dangerous conditions brought on by the heat.
In southwestern France, the city of Bordeaux is projected to experience temperatures surpassing 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday. The French weather agency, Meteo France, has issued a red heatwave warning for 49 regional administrative areas, indicating a significant risk to public health and safety. French Health Minister Stephanie Rist emphasized the seriousness of the situation during an interview on TF1, stating, “We’re heading for, at the very least, several days of very, very hot weather. We don’t know when temperatures will start falling.”
In response to the extreme heat, nearly 2,700 schools across France are set to close or adjust their timetables to protect students from the sweltering conditions. Authorities are urging citizens to take precautions, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Spain is also feeling the impact of the heatwave, with the state weather agency Aemet issuing a red alert for the Basque Country. In San Sebastian, temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius, nearly double the historical average for this time of year. Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo noted that temperatures across the region are running between 5 and 10 degrees above normal, with some northern areas exceeding this threshold.
Nighttime temperatures are providing little respite, particularly in southern Spain, where the mercury has not dropped below 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas, and has even reached 30 degrees in places like Almeria. This lack of cooling at night exacerbates the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
The heatwave is not only affecting humans; wildlife shelters in northern Europe are struggling to manage an influx of animals suffering from the heat. Birds such as swifts, swallows, sparrows, and starlings have been particularly hard hit, as the temperatures on rooftops can soar to between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius (122 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit). Romaine de Jaegere, a biologist and founder of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Animals Living in the Wild (Creaves) in Belgium, reported that the shelter has received 150 animals in just three days, as birds abandon their nests to escape the extreme heat.
The current heatwave is part of a broader trend of rising temperatures across Europe. According to climate data, the continent is experiencing average high temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius, which is 4.1 degrees above the historical norm recorded from 1961 to 1990. In comparison, Asia and North America are experiencing temperature increases of 2 degrees and 1.3 degrees, respectively.
As the heatwave continues, authorities across Europe are closely monitoring the situation and encouraging residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable individuals in their communities. The impact of climate change on weather patterns is becoming increasingly evident, with experts warning that heat-related health issues may rise significantly in the coming years.
As the situation develops, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about safety measures and weather forecasts.