Europe Gripped by First Major Heatwave of the Year

Much of Europe is sweltering under its first significant heatwave of the year, with temperatures soaring just days before the official start of astronomical summer. Western and southern Europe are bracing for highs near 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), prompting heat warnings in France, Germany, and Spain.

Weather forecasters attribute the unseasonably hot conditions to a high-pressure system dominating the continent. Temperatures are expected to climb further by the weekend and into early next week. In Spain, authorities have issued alerts for several regions as temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius in the northeast and 39 degrees in the west. Children in a Barcelona-area school were seen cooling off with water sprayers amid sweltering classroom conditions. Forecasters predict highs of up to 40 degrees Celsius for Saturday, fueling concerns about forest fires across the Iberian Peninsula.

Portugal is also anticipating highs of 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, with Lisbon expecting 35 degrees next week. France is experiencing similar conditions, with much of the country already under the heatwave's influence. Schools have canceled classes in numerous locations, and approximately 70 train services have been suspended between Thursday and Monday. This marks the second heatwave to hit France after an unusually warm May, with the country having closed around 2,200 schools during a June heatwave last year.

Italy began experiencing the heatwave on Wednesday, with temperatures around 36 degrees Celsius in central and northern regions. Forecasters warn of thunderstorms and hail in mountainous areas. Central Europe will see a sharp temperature increase by the weekend. Germany issued heat warnings for southwestern regions on Thursday, with plans to extend them to other parts of the country on Friday and Saturday. Temperatures reached nearly 33 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and could climb to 38 by Friday, remaining well above average next week, though strong thunderstorms are also forecast. Greece is expected to see temperatures reach up to 35 degrees Celsius.