Record Heatwave Hits Western Europe
Thursday, 2026/06/25132 words2 minutes386 reads
A severe heatwave is affecting western Europe, with France, the UK, and Spain all experiencing unprecedented high temperatures. France recorded its hottest day ever, with the national temperature indicator reaching 30°C on Wednesday.
Paris saw temperatures climb to almost 41°C, forcing famous landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower to close early. A Louvre spokesperson explained the building was "not sufficiently adapted to climate change." Tragically, at least 40 people have drowned in heatwave-related incidents in France since Thursday.
The UK recorded its hottest June day in Gosport, Hampshire, at 36.1°C. Spain's daily average temperature reached 28.17°C on Tuesday, the highest for June since records began. Red heat alerts remain active across much of France, northern Spain, and parts of Italy. Some relief is expected from Friday as temperatures gradually decrease.
