Europe is expected to get some relief from the recent record-breaking heatwave as cooler temperatures and thunderstorms move in from the Atlantic starting Wednesday, according to weather forecasts.
In Paris, where temperatures soared to 40°C (104°F) on Tuesday, a gradual cooldown is expected with temperatures dropping to 35°C on Wednesday and 28°C by Thursday, according to Météo-France. Thunderstorms are forecast to begin in northwest France and progress eastward toward Germany.
Read more: Europe Scorched by Early Heatwave as Wildfires Force Tens of Thousands to Evacuate
Frankfurt is expected to reach 40°C on Wednesday before cooling down to 27°C by Thursday. Meanwhile, Spain and Italy may continue to face extreme heat until the weekend.
Due to the extreme conditions, around 2,200 schools in France were closed on Tuesday, but only about 135 will remain closed on Wednesday. Météo-France also reported that June 30 was the hottest June day ever recorded in France since 1947, surpassing the 2019 record. Similar records were broken in Portugal and the Netherlands.
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts noted that this June is likely to be one of the five hottest ever recorded in Europe. Over the weekend, the Mediterranean Sea reached the highest June temperatures on record, and Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, briefly recorded temperatures above freezing—an unusual event for this time of year.
In Turkey, officials stated that forest fires near Izmir and Hatay were mostly under control, though strong winds remain a concern. Health warnings have been issued across the continent, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and those with health conditions. Authorities recalled that previous European heatwaves have caused tens of thousands of deaths.
Tragically, in Spain, police reported the death of a two-year-old child left in a parked car under intense sunlight. Clare Nullis from the World Meteorological Organization emphasized that due to human-driven climate change, extreme heat events are becoming more common and severe — a reality the world must now adapt to.
Many European cities have taken preventive measures, such as offering free access to air-conditioned museums in Venice and public swimming pools in Rome. However, the economic impact is also a concern. A report by Allianz Trade suggested the heatwave could reduce Europe’s economic growth by up to 0.5% this year. French health officials noted that preliminary data on heat-related deaths would be available about two weeks after the heatwave ends, with comprehensive results expected by autumn.
