Much of Germany and Poland were under extreme heat warnings on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as a record-breaking heatwave swept across Europe.
Why it matters: This heatwave is the second in two months, impacting millions and disrupting daily life across the continent.
The heat dome causing the record temperatures has moved east, bringing relief to Western Europe but severe thunderstorms to some areas.
At least 40 people drowned in France, mostly young individuals swimming in unsupervised areas.
Infrastructure disruptions have affected rail systems, factories, and power suppliers across the region.
Driving the news: Germany recorded a new national high of 41.5 degrees Celsius (106.7 Fahrenheit) at Drewitz station in eastern Germany on June 27, breaking the previous record set just a day earlier.
Provisional data from the national weather service (DWD) confirmed the previous record of 41.3 degrees Celsius (106.3 Fahrenheit) was set in Saarbruecken.
Extreme heat warnings were issued for nearly all of Germany, with authorities urging residents to conserve water.
State of play: The heatwave has pushed temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) above seasonal averages, with severe impacts reported across multiple countries.
France experienced its hottest average temperature on record this week, with northwest regions also reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius (108 Fahrenheit).
Poland had heat warnings with temperatures above 34 degrees Celsius (93 Fahrenheit), potentially reaching 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) on June 28 and 29.
Italy issued red alerts for 18 cities, including Milan and Venice, with expected temperatures climbing as high as 39 degrees Celsius.
The big picture: Scientists attribute this extreme heat event to climate change, which has made such conditions far more likely than they would have been in previous decades.
Research indicates that Europe is warming faster than any other continent, with tens of thousands of heat-related deaths reported annually.
The current heatwave is driven by an Omega block weather pattern, which traps hot air over regions, leading to prolonged high temperatures.
Demand for electric fans has surged, and air-conditioning sales have skyrocketed as people seek relief from the heat.
What they're saying: Meteorologists and health officials are warning about the dangers posed by the extreme heat.
Karsten Brandt, a meteorologist, stated, "The heatwave is going to peak at the weekend, well over 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of Germany."
Authorities are concerned about the strain on public services, with Deutsche Bahn allowing customers to cancel long-distance travel without charge due to the heat.
By the numbers: The heatwave has led to numerous record-breaking temperatures across Europe.
Czech Republic recorded its highest-ever temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105 Fahrenheit) on June 27, surpassing a record from 2012.
Denmark also reported its hottest day on record at 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit).
The UK broke its June temperature record for the third consecutive day with a provisional 37.3 degrees Celsius (99.1 Fahrenheit) on June 26.
What's next: As the heatwave peaks, thunderstorms are expected to follow, bringing potential relief but also risks of severe weather.
Forecasts indicate the most extreme heat may begin to fade over the weekend, but heavy thunderstorms are anticipated across parts of Germany.
Countries are bracing for the impact on infrastructure, particularly in rail systems and power generation.
Public health officials continue to advise residents on staying cool and hydrated to avoid heat-related illnesses.