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Scorching Heatwave Set to Shatter Temperature Records in Europe

The GuardianFriday, June 26, 2026
Scorching Heatwave Set to Shatter Temperature Records in Europe

A severe heatwave is gripping central and northern Europe, with temperatures in Germany and Poland expected to soar to unprecedented heights of over 40C this weekend. The mercury is predicted to rise significantly on both Saturday and Sunday, mirroring the extreme temperatures that recently swept through France. The Austrian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in Spielberg, has issued a heat hazard warning, a first for the season, with temperatures forecast to reach the low 30s Celsius, nearly 10C above the usual average for the venue. The intense heat has also led to violent thunderstorms across the continent, including a rare tornado in central Russia's Sverdlovsk region, which injured 16 people and damaged or destroyed around 100 homes and businesses. Meanwhile, in southern China, torrential rainfall has prompted warnings from the China Meteorological Administration, with over 100mm of rain falling in just three hours in the district of Zengcheng, raising concerns about flash flooding and mud flows. As the climate continues to break down, forecasters warn that such extreme weather events may become more frequent, posing a significant threat to communities and infrastructure. With storm warnings still in effect in parts of Europe and China, residents are bracing themselves for a weekend of extreme weather conditions.

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