Europe weather: Forecast maps and charts as temperatures reach sizzling 40C
EUROPE is braced for a heatwave this week with temperatures forecast to soar to 40C. Here is Europe’s weather forecast mapped.
Europe weather: Continent set for 'record breaking' temperatures
Mainland Europe will be hit with a fierce heatwave this week with temperatures set to soar to 40C. France and Spain can expect sizzling temperatures which could pose a risk to life. Here's Europe's heatwave mapped.
France heatwave MAPPED
France’s national weather service, Meteo-France, has issued a warning ahead of this week’s heatwave.
The nation could expect its hottest June day since 2003 as hot air from North Africa sweeps in.
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Meteorologist François Gourand told reporters: “We are expecting a heatwave that will affect many regions, more than half of France, of maximum intensity: the hottest day will be comparable to 2003, or not very far in any case.
“Since 1947, only the heatwave from June 18 to 28, 2005 had been so early.
“This expected episode looks much more intense, unprecedented in June.”
The unprecedented heatwave is expected to last six days according to the national forecasting service.
Large swathes of France will reach the 30C mark and temperatures could reach up to 40C from tomorrow.
The whole of France apart from Pas-de-Calais to Loire-Atlantique and Corse is likely to reach above 35C by Wednesday and Thursday.
There are fears this heatwave could mirror the French heatwave of August 2003, in which 15,000 people died.
The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has activated a level-three heatwave action plan for the more extreme days.
This is particularly severe given that there are just four levels and level four has never been used.
Spain heatwave MAPPED
Spain will also be struck by extreme heat as baking African air sweeps the country.
The Spanish Government has issued a severe warning as temperatures are expected to reach 40C.
The heatwave is forecast to set in on Wednesday as tropical air hits Spain.
Temperatures will hit above 35C in large swathes of the country.
Parts of central Spain could hit 40C, especially in the North East.
The Balearic Islands will also be affected with central Mallorca likely to reach above 35C.
There won’t be much respite from the heat at night as temperatures are meant to stay above 25C.
The heatwave is forecast to last until July 1 but could stay for longer in parts.
The fierce nature of the heatwave has led Spain’s meteorological body AEMET to issue a warning.
An AEMAT spokesman said: “It is likely that the high temperatures will last until June 30 at the earliest. But they could also continue into the first days of July in some parts.
“Temperatures are expected to reach significant levels across the mainland and in the Balearic islands.”