Holidaymakers planning trips to Portugal, Spain, and France are being advised to monitor the weather closely as a significant early-summer heatwave sweeps through Western Europe. Meteorologists have cautioned that some inland regions could experience temperatures as high as 45°C in extreme cases.
The UK Met Office has confirmed the arrival of a ‘European heatwave’ affecting much of Western Europe. Temperatures are set to surge starting from today, with the peak heat expected between June 22 and June 26.
According to meteorologist Aidan McGivern in a Met Office Deep Dive video, temperatures up to 40 degrees are likely in parts of Spain, France, and Italy, well above the usual for mid-June.
Coastal areas are expected to be cooler due to sea influences compared to inland areas, which are more susceptible to extreme heat. McGivern emphasized that temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s are anticipated inland.
The broader heatwave pattern has been highlighted by the UK Met Office, with meteorologist Aidan McGivern noting the unusual warmth for this time of year across Spain and France.
Despite weather forecast charts indicating temperatures of up to 40°C, forecasters suggest that these models may underestimate the most extreme peaks in certain hotspots.
Portuguese news sources are indicating the likelihood of a severe heatwave approaching the country, with temperatures predicted to surpass 40°C across many areas and possibly reaching 45°C in some inland regions.
Reports suggest the formation of a potent ‘heat dome’ over Western Europe, raising concerns that Europe’s second heatwave of the year could be more intense and prolonged than the previous one in late May and early June.
Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, has issued high temperature warnings for several regions, with temperatures expected to soar in cities like Seville, Barcelona, and Madrid.
AEMET forecasts a significant temperature rise over the weekend, with potential record-breaking highs for the time of year.
Forecasts indicate temperatures exceeding 40°C in parts of Spain next week, with warnings of some of the hottest conditions seen so far this year.
In France, Météo‑France predicts very high temperatures and ‘tropical nights’ where temperatures may not fall below 25°C. High temperatures are expected across the country, with peaks reaching 40°C in certain regions.
Météo‑France climatologist Matthieu Sorel described this heatwave as one of the earliest on record.