Western Europe Records June Highs Above 40C, Dozens of Heat-Linked Deaths Reported

A heatwave has gripped Western Europe, pushing temperatures to 40C or higher and contributing to dozens of deaths, @AJEnglish reported on June 27, 2026. Germany recorded a preliminary reading of 41C near Saarbrucken on Friday, according to a spokesperson for the country’s National Meteorological Service. The United Kingdom, France and Switzerland each set new record temperatures for June.

France reported the heaviest toll, with deaths among both young and elderly residents. The Ironman European Championship triathlon in Frankfurt shortened its cycling and running segments on Sunday because of the heat. Deutsche Bahn allowed customers to cancel long-distance bookings until early next week without charge.

Temperatures across the region reached as much as 18C above seasonal averages. Scientists stated that night-time temperatures during the heatwave are 100 times more likely than they would have been two decades ago because of man-made climate change.

The World Meteorological Organization said the heatwave will begin shifting toward Central Europe and the Balkans by the end of the month, with heavy thunderstorms expected on Sunday.