A severe heatwave swept across much of Europe on Sunday, June 21, bringing temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and prompting widespread warnings, transportation disruptions, and signs of stress on wildlife and popular tourist areas. The surge coincided with the northern hemisphere’s summer solstice, marking the usual onset of the hottest months of the year but raising concerns about an unusually early and persistent period of extreme heat.

In Italy, several cities including Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin were placed under red alert due to soaring temperatures. The city of Rome saw pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square using parasols and umbrellas to shield themselves from the intense sun as Pope Francis led the traditional Sunday prayer from the Apostolic Palace window.

Meteorologists attributed the heatwave to a mass of hot air advancing northward from the Sahara Desert, propelled by a strong high-pressure system called the “African anticyclone.” This system is creating a "heat dome," trapping hot air over western and central Europe and causing temperatures to remain elevated over multiple consecutive days.

Spanish authorities also issued red and orange weather warnings across several regions, forecasting temperatures exceeding 39°C to 40°C for large parts of the Iberian Peninsula and the island of Mallorca. The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET indicated that the heatwave is expected to persist until at least midweek. Residents and tourists in Madrid sought relief by using electric fans and consuming cold beverages while visiting locations such as the El Rastro flea market.

The extreme conditions have started to affect infrastructure and daily life, with officials cautioning the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate heat-related risks.