Many parts of Europe are preparing for another heatwave following record-breaking temperatures in June and July that have caused wildfires, dried rivers, and thousands of deaths.

On Monday, August 10th 2026, parts of Britain and France were already under major heat warnings, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30 degrees Celsius (mid-90 degrees Fahrenheit).

The British government has imposed irrigation restrictions on farmers and introduced a hosepipe ban in some regions. More than 27 million people in Britain are living under water-use restrictions as the country faces its fifth consecutive heatwave this year.

In France, water-use restrictions have been applied to 70 percent of the country amid worsening drought conditions caused by successive heatwaves, the government announced on Monday.

Spain’s national weather agency AEMET reported that Spain experienced the joint-hottest July since records began in 1961. The scorching temperatures contributed to the country’s largest wildfire in recent history.

“We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment,” said Tony Grayling, Director of Sustainable Business and Development at the British Environment Agency.

June and July have been the hottest on record in Western Europe, according to monitoring agencies.

Sources