Europe is bracing for a new heat wave as a strengthening heat dome and high‑pressure system lift temperatures across the continent. The latest wave, the 5th since May, will hit France, Spain, and Italy before moving into Central Europe, raising wildfire risk across western, central and southern parts.

Italy’s Health Ministry put all 27 monitored cities on red alert after several days of heat. The Air Force Meteorological Service warned that temperatures could reach 40°C in Sardinia, Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily. France expects 35–!!!

40 °C, and Spain may reach 42°C.

In Britain, the Met Office projects highs up to 36°C in East Anglia and southeast England, marking the 4th consecutive month of such heat. Fire danger will be “very extreme” from southern Britain through the Alps to the Balkans, and a total solar eclipse will sweep across Spain on Wednesday.

Europe’s rapid warming leaves many buildings ill‑suited to prolonged heat, and air‑conditioning is costly. Residents can stay cool by staying hydrated, using curtains, opening windows at night, and seeking public cooling spaces – Barcelona’s shelters, Paris’s fountains and London’s Cool Spaces map.