Twenty-six European countries are in the grip of a heatwave. Heat alerts have been issued in 15 countries, including France, Spain, and the UK. In most of these nations, temperatures are nearing or exceeding 40°C.

A red alert for heat has been issued for more than half of France. The government has banned alcohol consumption in public places. The French meteorological agency reported that the country experienced its hottest night since records began in 1947. Temperatures are forecast to reach 43°C in several parts of the country.

The Golfech nuclear power plant in France had to be shut down on Monday night. This was due to concerns that the temperature of the Garonne River—used to cool the plant—could rise to 28°C.

50-Year-Old Record Could Be Broken in the UK

According to the UK’s meteorological office, temperatures could exceed 39°C on Wednesday. If this happens, the national record for June—35.6°C, set in 1976—will be broken. The weather office has warned that high humidity will make the heat feel more intense.

A red “extreme heat” warning has been issued for Wednesday and Thursday. Such warnings are issued when heat poses a serious risk to public health, transport, and essential services. The UK is also likely to experience “tropical nights,” meaning temperatures will not drop below 20°C even at night.

Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Italy Also Struggling

Temperatures in parts of Spain are remaining above 38–40°C. In some areas, the temperature did not drop below 30°C between Sunday night and Monday morning. According to the weather office, this constitutes a “tropical night” scenario, where there is no relief from the heat even after dark.

The impact of the heat is also evident in Germany; five people have died within a week while swimming in rivers. Two young men drowned in Bavarian lakes, while a woman lost her life in the Baltic Sea.

Belgian meteorologists say the current heat could become the most severe heatwave in the country’s history. Rising temperatures have prompted many schools to switch to half-day sessions.

Italy’s Health Ministry has issued a red alert for 15 cities, including Rome and Milan. This number could rise to 16 on Wednesday. In Rome, the batteries of new electric buses are draining rapidly because the air conditioning has to be kept running constantly.