German weather service projects 135 million Europeans will face 35C heat on Thursday
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
German weather service forecasts project more than 135 million people across Europe—mostly in France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom—will face temperatures above 35C (95F) on Thursday. Nearly three in five Europeans, about 340 million people, are set to experience temperatures above 30C, according to European Commission Joint Research Centre data. The UK and France are experiencing their fifth heat wave of summer, with forecasters predicting up to 38C in central and southeast England and 40C in France.
Heatwave Forecast
German weather service forecasts and 2025 population projections from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre indicate that more than 135 million people in Europe, mostly in France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, will face temperatures above 35C (95F) on Thursday. Nearly three in five Europeans—about 340 million people—will feel temperatures surpassing 30C (86F), according to the same data. Austria’s Klimadashboard produced similar tracking figures. The UK and France are experiencing their fifth heat wave of the summer, with forecasts of up to 38C in central and southeast England and up to 40C in France. The highest UK temperature so far this year was 38C, recorded on June 26 in eastern England.
Health System Strain
The UK’s Royal College of Nursing said on Thursday that extreme heat is making parts of the National Health Service an “impossible and inhumane” place to work and receive care. Calls to the RCN helpline included reports of staff collapsing on shift, heat-related seizures, and pregnant nursing staff working in temperatures above 30C. Many staff reported working without access to air conditioning, fans or adequate ventilation.
Wider Climate Context
June and July marked the hottest two-month stretch in Europe since record-keeping began, according to MIT Technology Review. The same report noted that the contiguous United States endured its hottest July on record and South Korea recorded its highest-ever temperature. France and the UK are also facing widespread drought, with shrivelled crops and drained rivers straining water supplies for households, farms and the environment. Britain’s Met Office said earlier this week that only average conditions for the rest of August were needed to beat last year’s record for the hottest year.
What's Next
The UK Met Office notes that only average conditions for the rest of August are needed for 2026 to surpass last year’s record as the hottest year on record. It remains unclear how long the current heatwave will persist and whether, as MIT Technology Review reported, 2027 could be worse.
2 sources
German weather service projects 135 million Europeans will face 35C heat on Thursday
