Home / Weather News /

Record breaking: Historic heatwave across Europe

10:15
21 June 2022

Record breaking
Historic heatwave across Europe

Cracked earth in the Loire River, Ancenis-Saint-Geron, FranceCracked earth in the Loire River, Ancenis-Saint-Geron, France - © pa

Unprecedented heat has swept across Europe, breaking several all-time records.

Although it is summer, albeit just the start of astronomical summer, the significance of this heat so early into the season is unprecedented.

Average temperatures for this time of year across southern England are usually in the high-teens, mid-twenties for the likes of the south of France and low-twenties in north-east Germany.

And yet, several all-time maximum temperature records have been shattered at the following stations over the last week, including:

  • 42.9C in Biarritz, France on June 18th ( 2.3C above the August 2003 record)
  • 39.2C in Cottbus, Germany on June 19th (beating the record in 1921)
  • 43.5C in San Sebastian, northern Spain on June 18th (following the warmest May this century)

Several nations also tied or broke their monthly temperature records for June:

  • 38.3C in Slubice, Poland on June 19th (tying the previous record from 2019)
  • 36.9C Beznau, Switzerland on June 19th
  • 39C in Husinec, Czech Republic on June 19th
  • 43.4C in Pissos, France on June 18th (following the warmest May on record)
  • 44.2C in Andújar, Spain, on June 17th (highest June temperature since 1950 and the annual high for Europe so far)

For most of these places, 40C has never been hit so early in the summer season.

This extreme heat, coupled with very little rain across the continent, has led to a significant reduction in river level of some of Europe’s major rivers.

In Italy’s Po river, it is the worst drought to hit in 70 years; levels are so low that shipwrecks are resurfacing.

Breaking these temperature records during a time of year that is not the normal temperature peak, is likely to become more common and increasingly severe.

Looking ahead, heat will continue to pump into southern and eastern Europe where temperatures will continue to hit 10-15C above average in parts, though a respite on the way in the west.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Wind radar and warning map for strong gusting winds across south-east Ireland, Wales, and the English south coast.
Tuesday 15 July 2025

For UK and Ireland

Pressure system prompts wind warnings
sunny
Friday 11 July 2025

Safety first

Tips for the current heatwave!
Split image showing storm clouds over a coastal town on the left, and a circumzenithal arc on the right.
Sunday 13 July 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Summer warmth and sights
All weather news
This might also interest you
Weather map on the left showing heavy rain over the UK and Ireland. Wind map on the right shows strong gusting winds over Ireland, Wales, and England, strongest in the south.
Tuesday 15 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Wet, gusty, with thundery potential
Temperature radar showing daily highs for the UK and Ireland. Warmest in south-east England. Next to a weather map showing heavier rain over Ireland, showers in parts of England and Scotland.
Wednesday 16 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Some rain but warmer again
Monday 14 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Turning gusty as temperatures ease
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement