Editorial photo #13871231 Weather

Toulouse, As All Europe, Lived One Of Its Hottest Day On Record

A pharmacy thermometer indicates 40?C in Toulouse, France, on June 22, 2026. France experiences its second heatwave of the year, with temperatures reaching or surpassing 40?C. This heatwave is notable for its early occurrence, duration, and intensity, with dozens of temperature records surpassed. MeteoFrance states that this day will be among the hottest on record. Temperature records are being broken, even at night, with France experiencing temperatures 8 to 16?C above normal for June. The heatwave is attributed to a phenomenon known as a heat dome, where hot air is trapped by cooler air. This event coincides with climate experts' concerns that limiting global warming to +1.5?C, as agreed in 2015 during the COP21 in Paris, may not be achievable, with France already 2.2?C above the temperatures of 1950-1990. The majority of French departments are under red alert, and schools have closed due to the heatwave. At least 18 people have died in France due to the heat. Europe is experiencing unusually high temperatures. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)