A severe heatwave is gripping Europe with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) across multiple countries as of June 21, 2026, confirmed by Reuters, BBC, and Deutsche Welle. Nations are responding with school closures, transport disruptions, heat alerts, and health warnings as authorities warn of strain on infrastructure and public health — France has already recorded heat-related deaths and France's health minister warned many citizens 'will suffer' as temperatures peak on June 24.