Europe faces second extreme heatwave A severe heatwave hit much of Europe this Sunday (21), with temperatures approaching 40ºC, triggering alerts in several countries, transport disruptions, and impacts on animals and tourist sites. 📱Favorite g1 on Google and follow the main news of the day The rise in temperatures in 21 of June, the date of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and normally the start of the three hottest months of the year, has increased concerns about an early and persistent arrival of extreme weather conditions. After several days with temperatures above 35°C, Italian authorities issued a red alert for this Sunday in eight cities, including Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin. READ ALSO Ramiro Valdés, revolutionary hero and former vice-president of Cuba, dies at 94 years old New York Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, receives Corinthians shirts after remarks on Democracia Corinthiana and Sócrates In Rome, pilgrims in St. Peter's Square used umbrellas and parasols to protect themselves from the scorching sun while the pope conducted the traditional Sunday prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace. The rise in temperatures is being caused by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, fueled by a strong high-pressure system known as an "African anticyclone." Meteorologists state that the system is creating what is called a "heat dome," which traps hot air over Western and Central Europe, allowing temperatures to rise day after day. A woman protects herself from the sun with an umbrella in Trocadero Square, near the Eiffel Tower, as temperatures rise in Paris during the second heatwave affecting much of France, in 20 of June 2026 REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier Residents and tourists in Madrid used fans and consumed cold drinks while strolling through the famous El Rastro flea market. "I am dressed all in white because it is very hot and I carry my small electric fan everywhere," said Haily San Cesario, a 22-year-old engineer from Miami. The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET issued red and orange alerts in several regions, warning of temperatures exceeding 39°C and 40°C in large areas of the Iberian Peninsula and Mallorca. According to the agency, the heatwave is expected to last until at least mid-next week. Trains cancelled in France Extreme heat has already begun to affect infrastructure. Speaking from Gare Montparnasse station in Paris, SNCF president Jean Castex stated that the rail network has been "heavily impacted" by the high temperatures, which can damage overhead power lines and cause rail expansion. According to him, 3.500 employees were mobilized to monitor the network and another 2.000 will perform emergency repairs.
Castex also recommended that more vulnerable passengers postpone their travels. The operator cancelled 71 intercity trains until Monday on important routes. Storms in Germany In Germany, where temperatures have already reached 38°C, the DWD meteorological service warned of severe storms in eastern regions of the country, including Berlin, where heavy rains interrupted the outdoor Fête de la Musique festival. Organizers also had to evacuate the Berlin Open facilities when heavy rain and strong winds began, while fans waited for the tournament's singles final between American Jessica Pegula and Czech Linda Noskova. Thermal stress in bird chicks Animal rescue teams are also reporting increasing pressure. A center near the Belgian city of Namur reported having received about 150 animals affected by the heat in recent days, with bird chicks among the most vulnerable. "The chicks prefer to jump from the nests rather than be left to die and literally cook inside them," said Romain De Jaegere, founder of CREAVES, adding that rescue centers across Belgium are overwhelmed. Experts state that the situation reflects a broader trend, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense in Europe due to climate change.
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