Now, Central and Eastern Europe Are Feeling the Heat

Parts of Central and Eastern Europe were sweltering on Saturday as the “heat dome” behind this week’s record-breaking temperatures moved east.

The shift brought a bit of relief to countries in Western Europe that have been suffering, but it left in its wake the possibility of severe thunderstorms, which can be exacerbated by hot weather.

This heat wave is Europe’s second in two months. Temperature records for June were broken in Britain, France, the Netherlands and elsewhere. Scientists said in a report that such extreme heat, so early in Europe’s summer, would have been “virtually impossible” before carbon emissions began warming the planet.

The heat has disrupted daily life for millions and contributed to at least some deaths. Older people and those who work outside have proved to be particularly vulnerable. In France, at least 40 people drowned, most of them young people who were swimming in unsupervised areas. The heat wave has also tested Europe’s infrastructure, affecting rail systems, factories and power suppliers.

Here’s the latest.

How hot will it get?

In Germany, the heat will peak on Saturday, said the Deutscher Wetterdienst, the national weather service. Severe heat was expected throughout the country, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius, or 108 Fahrenheit, in some places, the agency warned. While parts of the northwest coast had cooled, severe thunderstorms were expected there, with heavy downpours possible.
Some parts of France, which had its hottest average temperature on record this week, were beginning to cool. But temperatures in the northwest could reach 42 degrees Celsius, or 108 Fahrenheit, on Saturday, according to Météo-France, the national weather agency. Parts of the country could see severe thunderstorms, with heavy gusts and the possibility of hail, the agency said.
Most of Poland was under a heat warning on Saturday, with temperatures above 34 degrees Celsius, or 93 Fahrenheit, according to MeteoAlarm, a European weather alert system. It said temperatures in parts of the country could reach 39 degrees Celsius, or 102 Fahrenheit, on Sunday and Monday.
Italy’s health ministry issued its highest-level heat warning for more than a dozen regions. Switzerland’s weather agency warned of a “high danger” of extreme heat in much of the country, including the areas around Zurich, Basel and Lausanne. Parts of Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia were also on high alert for extreme heat, according to MeteoAlarm.

Europe has been heating up fast.

Scientists have no doubt that heat waves around the world are becoming hotter, more frequent and longer lasting, and Europe is warming faster than any other continent.

In 2025, almost the entire continent was hotter than normal. Researchers estimate that in recent years, Europe has seen tens of thousands of heat-related deaths annually.

Many homes, schools and businesses across Europe were built for an older, cooler climate. In Britain, many were even built to retain heat, making cooling off during heat waves especially difficult. Air-conditioning is not a quick fix. In France, installing such systems has become a political flashpoint, while in Britain, high energy prices deter many.

Even in hotter Mediterranean cities, where old-fashioned courtyards, heavy shutters and white stone facades can keep homes cool, many newer buildings have been constructed using techniques that trap heat.

Here’s how to cool off.

Staying cool and hydrating are often the two most important things to do to avoid discomfort and feeling sick in extreme heat. Here are some other ways to keep cool:

Block out the windows in your home, especially those that get afternoon sun, with a blanket or a darker sheet during the day to keep the heat out. At night, keep windows open and run fans to circulate the air.
Spritz your skin with a mist of cool or room temperature water or wipe your forehead with a cool cloth. Cold showers can also help you cool down.
If you need to be outdoors, put ice cubes in your water bottle and drink cold liquids. If you plan to exercise, douse your head in cold water. Swimming is also a great way to exercise and keep cool.
When exploring or sightseeing, seek out cooler attractions such as museums, cathedrals or even subterranean exhibitions. Some cities have created public spaces to cool down: Barcelona has climate shelters and Paris has drinking fountains, for example. London has a Cool Spaces map to find spots.
Watch out for signs of heat stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists some of them as dizziness, a rapid pulse, nausea, headache and fainting, but symptoms can vary.