Spain is facing its first heatwave of 2026 and has declared heat warnings in nearly every region across the country, while France has issued the highest level of alert covering more than half of its territory.
Foreign news agencies reported that tourists and residents in Madrid endured temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 21 June, as the official first heatwave of 2026 began spreading over Spain. Authorities issued warnings about prolonged sun exposure and the risk of wildfires.
Aemet, Spain’s National Meteorological Agency, stated that on Sunday, 13 out of 17 Spanish regions were under an orange-level heat warning, while the Basque Country in the northwest was under a red-level warning, the highest alert. The heatwave is expected to last until Thursday.
Meanwhile, France is also facing an intense heatwave, having declared a red-level heat alert covering about half of the country, including Paris, as temperatures rise close to record highs.
The head of SNCF, France's state railway operator, advised vulnerable groups to avoid train travel during the heatwave. Additionally, authorities banned alcohol sales in certain areas on Saturday.
The rising temperatures are due to a hot air mass moving up from the Sahara Desert, which has trapped heat over Western and Central Europe.
Italy declared red-level heat warnings on Sunday for eight major cities, including Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin, while Germany issued nationwide warnings to its population.
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