Czech Republic Records All-Time High Temperatures Over the Weekend
Like much of Europe, the Czech Republic has been experiencing an unprecedented heatwave for the past two weeks, according to AFP.
“We have seen the peak of an inflow of very warm air from the southwest so there is no wonder [Sunday’s] records were higher than yesterday,”
the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) stated on Sunday.
CHMI reported that half of its 171 weather stations registered record-high temperatures on Sunday, while more than 95 percent recorded a June record, many surpassing Saturday’s all-time highs.
“We still expect hot weather in Moravia and Silesia (east) on Monday. A waving cold front will bring at least partial cooling to Bohemia (west),”CHMI added.
Prague is forecast to experience temperatures around 33-34°C today, with thunderstorms expected later.
Berlin Police Use Water Cannons to Help Crowds Cool Down as Preparedness Questions Arise
Record-high temperatures were also reported in Germany over the weekend, accompanied by wildfires and police in Berlin employing water cannons to cool crowds.
In Gohrischheide, eastern Germany, a forest fire broke out in an area still contaminated with ammunition from World War II, complicating firefighting efforts, AP reported.
Similarly, a major firefighting operation was underway near the village of Traisen in southwest Germany, where heat triggered a forest fire in a zone containing unexploded ordnance. Approximately 650 residents of Traisen were evacuated Sunday afternoon as the fire continued to spread.
As in France, the crisis has raised challenging questions regarding Germany’s preparedness for such events, especially as climate change is expected to increase the frequency of heatwaves.
Train Disruptions Reported Over Weekend as Europe Battles Heatwave
Throughout the weekend, numerous European train operators reported significant disruptions due to the extreme heat, which caused various logistical challenges.
Issues affected trains in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and other countries, with passengers stranded, delays lasting hours, and overcrowded trains with little or no functioning air conditioning.
The Czech operator České dráhy published a statement explaining some of the difficulties encountered, including addressing the common question of why air conditioning on trains was not working properly. Their summary was that the systems are not designed to operate effectively at temperatures reaching 40°C.
“You might be surprised to learn that the goal isn’t to turn the train into a freezer.”
France Investigates Excess Deaths Linked to Heatwave
Meanwhile, France is assessing the human toll of the heatwave that began in mid-June and was temporarily interrupted by violent thunderstorms over the weekend, AP reported.
Public Health France has reported a surge in deaths, particularly among older individuals. Last week, deaths exceeded 1,200 on Wednesday and rose to over 1,400 on Thursday, with hundreds more than usual on Friday.
Authorities anticipate these numbers will increase as more death certificates are processed, underscoring the serious and tragic consequences of human-induced climate change.
The red extreme heat alert concludes today, but Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will chair a cross-governmental crisis meeting later to review the past week’s events.
The meeting aims to draw lessons to improve preparedness for potential future heatwave episodes.
Morning Opening: It's Just Too Hot
Good morning, or dzień dobry, from Warsaw, Poland, as the heatwave that affected much of the continent last week continues to impact central and eastern Europe.
At 9 a.m. local time, temperatures have already reached 32°C. Observations include two people cycling home with large fans, attempting to return before the heat intensifies further. Such conditions are highly unusual.
Yesterday, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland all broke their all-time temperature records. Cities including Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest, and Warsaw are expected to reach temperatures up to 38°C today.
For those in Brussels, Paris, or London, the 10-day weather forecast suggests the heatwave is not yet over.
Updates will continue as central and eastern Europe experience the heatwave’s transition into violent thunderstorms this evening, similar to those seen earlier this week in western Europe.
Additionally, there is notable political activity, with NATO’s Mark Rutte meeting Britain’s outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič hosting China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Brussels, and Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visiting Marco Rubio in Washington D.C.
It is Monday, 29 June 2026. Jakub Krupa reporting for Europe Live.
