2019 European heatwaves

File:The heat is on ESA19461898.jpeg

File:July 25 2019 Europe max temperatures.png

The above-normal hot condition in June is caused by an anomalous long-lasting anticyclone in the upper troposphere, which advects warm air from the Sahel and Mediterranean region and enhances incoming solar radiation and surface turbulent fluxes. The anomalous anticyclone results from an unusually-intensified British-Baikal Corridor pattern and a synoptic Rossby wave breaking event over Europe.{{Cite journal|last1=Xu|first1=Peiqiang|last2=Wang|first2=Lin|last3=Liu|first3=Yuyun|last4=Chen|first4=Wen|last5=Huang|first5=Ping|date=2020|title=The record-breaking heat wave of June 2019 in Central Europe|journal=Atmospheric Science Letters|language=en|volume=21|issue=4|pages=e964|doi=10.1002/asl.964|issn=1530-261X|doi-access=free|bibcode=2020AtScL..21E.964X }}

The July heat wave was caused by a strong omega block,{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/uk/live-news/heat-wave-europe-thursday-dle-intl/index.html |title=UK weather heats up as Europe smashes records |work=CNN |access-date=25 July 2019 |date=25 July 2019 |first=Eliza |last=Mackintosh |publisher=Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.}} consisting of hot, dry air from North Africa, trapped between cold storm systems. The high-pressure area of hot air, called Yvonne, stretched from the central Mediterranean to Scandinavia and was pinned between two low-pressure areas, one over western Russia and the other over the eastern Atlantic.{{cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-swelters-in-record-breaking-europe-heat-wave/a-49734445 |title=Germany swelters in record-breaking Europe heat wave |work=Deutsche Welle |access-date=28 July 2019 |date=25 July 2019}}

Total excess deaths are estimated to be around 2,500 during the summer months in 2019.{{cite web |title=European summer heatwaves the most lethal disaster of 2019, says international research group |url=https://www.climatecentre.org/news/1278/european-summer-heatwaves-the-most-lethal-disaster-of-2019-says-international-research-group |publisher=The Climate Center |access-date=7 April 2021}} Most of these were indirectly caused and were observed in statistical modeling later that year. Based on individual country counts, that figure may be an under estimate. The Dutch government reported 400 excess deaths in the week of the June heat wave, a figure comparable to those recorded during the 2006 European heat wave.{{cite news |title=Heatwave caused nearly 400 more deaths in Netherlands: stats agency | date=9 August 2019 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-weather-netherlands/heatwave-caused-nearly-400-more-deaths-in-netherlands-stats-agency-idUSKCN1UZ0GA?il=0 |agency=reuters.com |access-date=12 August 2019}}

France estimated 1,435 additional deaths due to the heatwave.{{cite web |title=New official data in Europe exposes heatwaves as still the 'silent killer' of the elderly |url=https://www.climatecentre.org/news/1191/new-official-data-in-europe-exposes-heatwaves-as-still-the-a-silent-killera-of-the-elderly |publisher=Climate Centre |access-date=7 April 2021}} Public Health England reported 900 excess deaths from the heatwave.{{cite web |last=Carrington |first=Damian |date=7 January 2020 |title=Heatwaves in 2019 led to almost 900 extra deaths in England |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/07/heatwaves-in-2019-led-to-almost-900-extra-deaths-in-england |website=The Guardian |access-date=7 April 2021}} The Robert Koch institute reported 500 excess deaths in Berlin alone.{{cite web |last1=Raddatz |first1=Birgit |title=Almost 500 heat deaths in Berlin last year |url=https://www.rbb24.de/panorama/thema/2019/klimawandel/beitraege/statistik-hitzetote-sommer-2018-robert-koch-institut.html |website=RBB24 |date=September 2019 |publisher=Robert Koch Institute |access-date=7 April 2021}}

Belgium reported at least 716 excess deaths during the summer.{{cite web |url=https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/in-ons-land-vielen-tijdens-en-vlak-na-hittegolven-716-doden-meer~b710b9c6|title=In ons land vielen tijdens en vlak na hittegolven 716 doden meer|website=De Morgen|date=3 October 2019|access-date=18 July 2022}}

In June heat records were broken, on 30 June the temperature reached {{cvt|38.5|C|F}} in Innsbruck.{{cite web | url=https://www.extremeweatherwatch.com/cities/innsbruck/highest-temperatures | title=Highest Temperatures in Innsbruck History }} This was a heat record for June in Austria, and also the highest temperature measured during the heatwaves.

Belgium recorded three consecutive days exceeding {{convert|30|C|F}};{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&state=Belgium&osum=no&fmt=html&ord=REV&ano=2019&mes=6&day=24&hora=18&ndays=1&Send=send |title=Synop Summary for Belgium 24/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com | access-date=27 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&state=Belgium&osum=no&fmt=html&ord=REV&ano=2019&mes=6&day=25&hora=18&ndays=1&Send=send|title=Synop Summary for Belgium 25/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com | access-date=27 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&state=Belgium&osum=no&fmt=html&ord=REV&ano=2019&mes=6&day=26&hora=18&ndays=1&Send=send|title=Synop Summary for Belgium 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com | access-date=27 June 2019}} 25 June was the hottest day during this period, with many places exceeding {{convert|32|C|F}} and other places nearly reaching {{convert|35|C|F}}.

During the period of hot weather, environmental officials warned of poor air quality levels, which would especially affect the young, elderly and people with respiratory illnesses. It also affects small countries that rely on tourism as their main source of income.{{cite web|url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/belgium-all-news/59336/ozone-concentration-heatwave-belgium-air-quality-levels-warning-poor-quality-high-concentration-tuesday-hottest-day/|title=Heatwave puts Belgian air quality levels under strain | publisher=The Brussels Times | access-date=27 June 2019}}

On 24 July, the highest ever recorded temperature in Belgium was measured, reaching {{Convert|40.2|C|F|abbr=}} in the town of Angleur,{{Cite news |url=https://www.lesoir.be/238462/article/2019-07-25/vague-de-chaleur-402-degres-enregistres-mercredi-angleur-un-nouveau-record-pour |title=Vague de chaleur: 40,2 degrés enregistrés mercredi à Angleur, un nouveau record pour la Belgique |date=25 July 2019 |newspaper=Le Soir |access-date=25 July 2019 |publisher=Rossel & Cie}} exceeding the previous record of {{convert|38.8|C}}, reached in 1947.{{Cite web|url=https://www.meteo.be/fr/infos/faq/le-temps-en-belgique/puis-je-consulter-un-atlas-climatique-de-la-belgique|title=IRM - Puis-je consulter un atlas climatique de la Belgique ?|website=KMI}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.meteo.be/meteo/view/fr/1079061-Evenements+marquants+depuis+1901.html |title=Evènements marquants depuis 1901 - IRM |access-date=27 December 2020 |archive-date=12 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112070546/http://www.meteo.be/meteo/view/fr/1079061-Evenements+marquants+depuis+1901.html |url-status=dead }} On the same day, passengers were evacuated from a Eurostar train that had broken down between Halle and Tubize, as many began to fall ill due to the extreme temperatures.{{Cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/hundreds-of-eurostar-passengers-stuck-for-hours-in-40c-after-power-failure-11769638 |title=Hundreds of Eurostar passengers stuck for hours in 40C after power failure |date=25 July 2019 |work=Sky News |access-date=25 July 2019 |publisher=Sky UK}} On 25 July, the national record was broken again, reaching {{Convert|41.8|C|F|abbr=}} in Begijnendijk (Flemish Brabant).{{cite news |url=https://www.demorgen.be/nieuws/na-de-hitte-het-onweer-noodweer-trekt-over-het-land~ba67e4d6/ |title=Na de hitte: het onweer. Noodweer trekt over het land |date=26 July 2019 |access-date=25 July 2019 |newspaper=De Morgen |language=fr}} One death was reported.

The official KMI weather station in Uccle reported a maximum temperature of {{convert|39.7|C}}, while many other weather stations, some even close to the North Sea, reported temperatures in excess of {{convert|40.0|C}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.meteobelgie.be/klimatologie/nieuws/la-suite/2249-25-jul-19 |title=24 EN 25 JULI 2019 : RECORDTEMPERATUREN IN BELGIË|website=MeteoBelgië}}

The temperature record for June was recorded in Doksany and was {{convert|38.9|C|F}}.{{Cite web|url=https://tn.nova.cz/clanek/do-ceska-vtrhlo-extremni-teplo-meteorologum-pro-ne-chybi-barva.html|title=V Česku padaly teplotní rekordy, kvůli vedru se ohnuly i kolejnice!|date=26 June 2019|website=tn.nova.cz|language=cs-CZ|access-date=29 June 2019}} High temperatures also complicated rail transport in the Czech Republic.

On 22 July 2019 the DMI issued a warning for high temperatures possibly up to 35 °C (95 °F). On 24 July, the temperature reached 30.9 °C (87.6 °F) in Åbenrå, Svendborg and Nykøbing Falster.

On 25 July the temperature reached 32.0 °C (89.6 °F) in Vordingborg & Holbæk. Temperatures for that day were forecasted up to 35 °C (95 °F), but due to afternoon thunderstorms the temperature only reached a maximum of 32.0 °C (89.6 °F).{{Cite web |title=Denmark Record High and Low Temperature (Celsius) Map and List - Updated May 2023 |url=https://www.plantmaps.com/en/dk/climate/extremes/c/denmark-record-high-low-temperatures |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=Plantmaps.com |language=en}}

On 28 July, Helsinki recorded a temperature of {{Convert|33.2|C|F|abbr=}}, breaking the city's previous record. On the same day, {{Convert|33.7|C|F|abbr=}} was recorded in Porvoo.{{Cite web|url=https://wmo.int/media/july-matched-and-maybe-broke-record-hottest-month-analysis-began|title=July matched, and maybe broke, the record for the hottest month since analysis began|date=1 August 2019|website=World Meteorological Organization|access-date=7 August 2019}}

[[File:Meteo France weather warning map - 27-28.06.2019.svg|thumb|Map of France

Legend{{legend|#23d761|No particular vigilance}}{{legend|#fefe00|Warning}}{{legend|#fec300|Vigilance required}}{{legend|#fe0000|Absolute vigilance}}]]

File:Meteo France weather warning map - 24-25.07.2019.svg

France was one of the most affected countries from the heatwave, with much of the country exceeding {{convert|32|C|F}} on 26 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&state=France&osum=no&fmt=html&ord=REV&ano=2019&mes=6&day=26&hora=18&ndays=1&Send=send|title=Synop Summary for France 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}} Météo France issued an Orange Alert for much of the country due to exceptionally hot temperatures, excluding coastal regions, e.g. Brittany and the northern part of Hauts-de-France. Four departments of France were put on Red Alert: Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard, Hérault and Vaucluse.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/28/france-on-red-alert-as-heatwave-forecast-to-reach-record-45c|title=France records all-time highest temperature of 45.9C|work=The Guardian|date=28 June 2019 |access-date=28 June 2019 |last1=Henley |first1=Jon |last2=Chrisafis |first2=Angelique |last3=Jones |first3=Sam }} Owing to building codes with old structures common across the country, numerous buildings in France lack air conditioning.

The French Government acted more proactively for the heat wave in light of its failings during the 2003 European heat wave. 15,000 people died during that event in France. Approximately 4,000 schools closed nationwide. Authorities in Paris opened public cooling rooms. Parks and pools extended operation hours in multiple cities.{{cite news|author=Sasha Ingber|publisher=NPR|date=28 June 2019|access-date=28 June 2019|title=France Suffers Through Hottest Day In Its History — 113 Fahrenheit|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/06/28/737004547/france-suffers-through-hottest-day-in-its-history-113-fahrenheit}} Museums with air conditioning allowed free entry for all people.

France observed temperatures in excess of {{convert|45|C|F|abbr=on}} for the first time in recorded history. A national all-time record of {{convert|46.0|C|F|abbr=on}} was recorded by a staffed weather station in Vérargues on 28 June, verified by Météo France on 19 July. Earlier, the highest temperature considered to have been reliably recorded during the heat wave was {{convert|45.9|C|F|abbr=on}} by an automatic weather station in Gallargues-le-Montueux, also on 28 June.{{cite tweet|date=28 June 2019|access-date=28 June 2019|title=For the first time on record, #France sees a temperature above 45°C. Gallargues-le-Montueux recorded 45,9 °C, and Villevieille 45.1°C this afternoon. In France. in June. |user=WMO|author=World Meteorological Organization|number=1144638031942602752}} These exceeded the previous record of {{convert|44.1|C|F}}, recorded in Conqueyrac and Saint-Christol-lès-Alès.

Twelve other locations observed temperatures above the previous record high. Villevieille experienced temperatures of {{convert|45.1|C|F|abbr=on}} on this day. Numerous records were broken along the Mediterranean coastline. Montpellier observed a temperature of {{convert|110.3|F|C|abbr=on|disp=flip}}, shattering the previous all-time by {{convert|5.8|C-change}}. Nantes and Bourges saw their highest low-temperature ever during the overnight of 27–28 June at {{convert|24.7|C|F|abbr=on}} and {{convert|23.8|C|F|abbr=on}}, respectively.{{cite web|language=fr|publisher=Europe1|date=28 June 2019|access-date=28 June 2019|title=45,9°C devient le nouveau record de chaleur jamais enregistré en France|url=https://www.europe1.fr/societe/459c-devient-le-nouveau-record-de-chaleur-jamais-enregistre-en-france-3907113}}

Five people died nationwide: four from drowning and one from heat stroke.{{cite news|publisher=Kleinezeitung|language=de|date=28 June 2019|access-date=28 June 2019|title=Fast 46 Grad in Frankreich Fünf Tote durch die Hitzewelle in Europa|url=https://www.kleinezeitung.at/international/5651875/Fast-46-Grad-in-Frankreich_Fuenf-Tote-durch-die-Hitzewelle-in-Europa}} Police noted an increase in instances of illegal fire hydrant openings. A six-year-old child was hospitalised in critical condition after being hit by a stream of water from an illegally opened hydrant. Hospitals reported a significant increase in cases of cramps, dehydration, dizziness, and heart conditions.

In July 2019, France experienced its second heat wave in less than a month, beating several regional and national temperature records. In the previous month, a national record temperature of {{Convert|46.1|C|F|abbr=}} was measured in the southern commune of Gallargues-le-Montueux.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/28/france-on-red-alert-as-heatwave-forecast-to-reach-record-45c|title=France records all-time highest temperature of 45.9C|last1=Henley|first1=Jon|date=28 June 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 July 2019|last2=Madrid|first2=Angelique Chrisafis Sam Jones in|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} More than 50 French cities exceeded their previous high temperature records in this heat wave.

On 23 July 80 departments of France were included in an orange heat wave alert by Météo-France, and 20 departments were included in a red alert the next day.{{cite web|url=https://www.francebleu.fr/amp/infos/meteo/canicule-80-departements-places-en-vigilance-orange-un-record-1563891174|title=Canicule : 80 départements placés en vigilance orange, un record|date=23 July 2019|website=France Bleu|access-date=25 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bfmtv.com/planete/20-departements-dont-paris-et-toute-l-ile-de-france-places-en-vigilance-rouge-canicule-1736383.html|title=Canicule: 20 départements, dont Paris et toute l'Île-de-France, placés en vigilance rouge|date=24 July 2019|website=BFM TV|access-date=25 July 2019}} On 24 July, a temperature of {{Convert|41.2|C|F|abbr=}} was registered by Météo-France in Bordeaux, breaking the city's previous record of {{Convert|40.7|C|F|abbr=}} in 2003.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-49083283|title=Europe heatwave: French city of Bordeaux hits record temperature|date=24 July 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=25 July 2019}} Similarly, on 25 July, a temperature of {{Convert|42.6|C|F|abbr=}} was recorded in Paris, also breaking the city's previous record of {{Convert|40.4|C|F|abbr=}} in July 1947.{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/paris-hottest-temperature-record-europe-heatwave-france-latest-a9019716.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725164758/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/paris-hottest-temperature-record-europe-heatwave-france-latest-a9019716.html |archive-date=2019-07-25 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Europe heatwave: Paris records its hottest temperature in history|last=Cuthbertson|first=Anthony|date=25 July 2019|work=The Independent|access-date=25 July 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-49108847|title=Europe heatwave breaks more temperature records|date=25 July 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=25 July 2019}}

On the night of 24–25 July, France saw its hottest night since records began, as the whole country averaged an overnight low of {{cvt|21.4|C}}, exceeding the record from the 2003 heat wave. Bordeaux saw an overnight low of {{cvt|26.8|C}}, beating the previous record of 25 °C (77 °F, 2006); Lille saw {{cvt|23.2|C}}, exceeding the July 2007 record of {{cvt|22.5|C}}.{{cite web |title=Canicule : "très probablement" la nuit la plus chaude jamais mesurée en France |url=http://www.leparisien.fr/societe/canicule-records-de-chaleur-nocturne-battus-dans-plusieurs-villes-25-07-2019-8123301.php |website=Le Parisien |access-date=1 August 2019 |language=fr-FR |date=25 July 2019}} Lille also saw a high of {{cvt|41.5|C}} the following day, above the record of {{cvt|37.6|C}} that had been set the previous year.{{cite web |title=Canicule : 41,5 °C à Lille, 41,3 °C à Rouen et Orléans, 38,9 °C à Strasbourg... Une cinquantaine de villes ont battu leur record absolu de chaleur |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/meteo/canicule/canicule-41-5c-a-lille-41-3c-a-rouen-et-orleans-38-9-c-a-strasbourg-une-cinquantaine-de-villes-ont-battu-leur-record-absolu-de-chaleur_3551355.html |website=Franceinfo.fr |access-date=1 August 2019 |language=fr |date=25 July 2019}}

On 25 July, the chief architect of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral told media that he feared that the heat wave could cause the cathedral's vaulted ceilings, damaged in an April 2019 fire, to collapse. While he indicated the stone walls were still stable for the time being, he explained that the walls were still saturated with water sprayed by firefighters during the blaze, and rapid drying from the extreme temperatures could adversely affect the stability of the structure.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/heat-wave-europe-threatens-notre-dame-repair-efforts-temperature-records |title=Heat wave threatens Notre Dame repair efforts as temperature records tumble across Europe |first=Travis |last=Feldschun |publisher=Fox News |date=25 July 2019 |access-date=30 July 2019}}

Two nuclear reactors in southwest France were shut down and the output of six reactors were curtailed to avoid breaching environmental limits on the temperature of the rivers they use for cooling water.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/24/europe/europe-heatwave-gbr-intl/index.html|title=Europe sweats as another record-breaking heat wave rolls in|first=Lauren |last=Said-Moorhouse|website=CNN|date=24 July 2019 |access-date=29 July 2019}} This reduced French nuclear power generation by around 5.2 gigawatts at a time of increased electricity demand due to the use of cooling devices.

According to the French Ministry of Health, 567 were reported to have died during the June heat wave, and 868 people died as a result of the July heat wave.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-49628275|title=Summer heat killed nearly 1,500 in France, officials say|date=8 September 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=8 September 2019}}

Most of Germany recorded temperatures exceeding {{convert|32|C|F}} on 26 June as well as large parts of the country exceeding {{convert|35|C|F}}. Temperatures as high as {{convert|37.5|C|F}} were recorded in Berlin-Tempelhof, and Brandenburg had temperatures reaching {{convert|38.6|C|F}}, exceeding the previous June record of {{convert|38.2|C|F}} recorded in Frankfurt.{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=10384&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=26&hora=18|title=Synop Summary for Berlin-Tempelhof (10384) 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thelocal.de/20190624/heatwave-in-germany-temperatures-of-40c-forecast|title=Heatwave in Germany: Temperatures of 40C forecast | publisher=thelocal.de | access-date=27 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/dangerous-extreme-heat-wave-tightens-grip-on-france-spain-and-other-parts-of-western-europe/70008660|title=Extreme Europe heat wave to persist in Spain, France after many countries set all-time highs for June|publisher=AccuWeather|access-date=27 June 2019|archive-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629212453/https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/dangerous-extreme-heat-wave-tightens-grip-on-france-spain-and-other-parts-of-western-europe/70008660|url-status=dead}} Nationwide, the average temperature for all of June reached {{convert|19.8|C|F|abbr=on}}, marking the warmest June in 140 years of record-keeping.

Four people died from drowning nationwide.

On 25 July, a temperature of {{Convert|42.6|C|F|abbr=}} was recorded in Lingen, Lower Saxony.{{cite news|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/hitze-161.html|title=Rekordtemperaturen: So heiß wie nie|language=de|website=tagesschau.de|date=25 July 2019|access-date=25 July 2019}}{{Update inline|date=July 2022|reason=That recorded was later annulled, because the temperature recorded in Lingen was faulty}} This beat the record for the highest ever temperature recorded in Germany, following its previous record of {{Convert|40.5|C|F|abbr=}} measured a day earlier.{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-europe-weather-germany-record/heatwave-sets-new-german-temperature-record-for-second-day-running-idUKKCN1UK22I|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725160047/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-europe-weather-germany-record/heatwave-sets-new-german-temperature-record-for-second-day-running-idUKKCN1UK22I|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 July 2019|title=Heatwave sets new German temperature record for second day running|date=25 July 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=25 July 2019}} Twenty-five weather stations in the country reported temperatures of {{convert|40|C|F|abbr=}} or higher on 25 July. Prior to this heat wave, the highest recorded temperature in Germany was {{convert|40.3|C}} in Kitzingen in 2015.{{cite web |title=Wetterrekorde Deutschland |url=https://www.wetterdienst.de/Klima/Wetterrekorde/Deutschland/Temperatur/ |website=Wetterdienst.de |access-date=26 July 2019 |language=de}}

At the end of the heat wave, on the evening of 26 July, a maximum purple alert for storms was issued for three districts (Landkreise) of the Land Baden-Württemberg, namely Freudenstadt, Böblingen and Calw.{{cite news|url=http://www.meteoalarm.eu/fr_FR/0/0/DE-Allemagne.html|title=Weather alert for storms in Germany|language=fr|website=Meteoalarm Europe|date=26 July 2019|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726214350/http://www.meteoalarm.eu/fr_FR/0/0/DE-Allemagne.html|archive-date=26 July 2019}}

After the heat wave ended in mainland Europe, the mass of warm air traveled north to Greenland, causing a heat wave that led to a melting of some {{convert|197|Gt|e9ST|abbr=off}} of ice in July. The melting was forecast to peak on 1 August. For comparison, the entire melt season in 2012 caused {{convert|290|Gt|e9ST|abbr=off}} of ice loss. A record 56.5 percent of Greenland Ice Sheet was showing signs of melting on 31 July.{{cite web |title=Heat wave over Greenland causing massive ice melt |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/greenland-ice-melt-1.5233597 |website=CBC.ca |access-date=9 August 2019 |date=1 August 2019}}{{cite web |title=Greenland sees massive ice melt amid heat wave |url=https://nypost.com/2019/08/02/greenland-sees-massive-ice-melt-amid-heat-wave/ |website=New York Post |access-date=9 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804092953/https://nypost.com/2019/08/02/greenland-sees-massive-ice-melt-amid-heat-wave/ |archive-date=4 August 2019 |date=2 August 2019 |url-status=live}} US National Snow and Ice Data Center estimated ice loss during the first week of August at {{convert|12|-|24|e9ST|Gt|abbr=off|order=flip}} per day with a total loss of {{convert|250|e9ST|Gt|abbr=off|order=flip}} for the melt season to date.{{cite web |last1=Freedman |first1=Andrew |title=Massive heat wave puts Greenland on track for record melt |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2019/08/08/massive-heat-wave-puts-greenland-track-for-record-melt/Kke6qnGWjZv7SLxcipTRcL/story.html |website=The Boston Globe |access-date=9 August 2019 |date=8 August 2019}}

A wild fire which has been burning near Sisimiut since early July necessitated dispatching firefighters from Denmark, as the fire was endangering inhabited areas and had the potential to continue burning through the winter. Forest fires are exceedingly rare in Greenland.{{cite web |last1=Butler |first1=Morten |title=As Greenland Melts, Wildfires Draw Emergency Crews From Denmark |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-13/danish-firefighters-head-for-greenland-as-wildfires-spread |website=Bloomberg |access-date=24 August 2019 |date=13 August 2019 |archive-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023044057/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-13/danish-firefighters-head-for-greenland-as-wildfires-spread |url-status=dead }}

By 28 June, Italian authorities placed 16 cities under high alert for dangerous temperatures. Civil security services distributed water to tourists visiting Rome.

A 72-year-old man died of heat stroke in the Milano Centrale railway station.{{cite news|language=es|date=28 June 2019|access-date=28 June 2019|title=La ola de calor ya deja muertos en Europa|newspaper=Clarín|author=María Laura Avignolo|url=https://www.clarin.com/mundo/ola-calor-deja-muertos-europa_0_Wi1LoyrjU.html}}

On 25 July, a red alert for extreme heat was put in place for the entire country by Meteolux.{{Cite news|url=https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1381142.html|title=Red alert for 'extreme' heat on Thursday as temperatures could reach 42°C|last=Toussaint|first=Thomas|date=25 July 2019|work=RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg|access-date=26 July 2019}} The same day, a temperature of {{Convert|40.8|C|F|abbr=}} was measured in Steinsel, the highest ever recorded in the country,{{Cite news|url=https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1381666.html|title=Record 40.8°C measured in Steinsel on Thursday|date=26 July 2019|work=RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg|access-date=12 August 2019}}{{cite web |title=40,8°C: Neuer offizieller Temperaturrekord in Luxemburg |url=https://gouvernement.lu/de/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2019/07-juillet/26-temperaturrekord.html |website=gouvernement.lu |access-date=12 August 2019|date=26 July 2019 }} beating the record of {{Convert|40.5|C|F|abbr=}} set in Remich in 2003.

The high heat and dry conditions caused several fires during the heat wave. On 24 July, a fire broke out near Schumannseck, and hay bales caught fire in a field. On 25 July, a bush fire occurred in Hamm, and a fire truck exploded when it became engulfed in flames whilst attending the scene.{{Cite news|url=https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1381347.html|title=Firefighters worked throughout the night to extinguish forest fire|date=26 July 2019|work=RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg|access-date=26 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://delano.lu/d/detail/news/crews-fighting-brush-fire-hamm/207284|title=Crews fighting bush fire in Hamm|date=25 July 2019|website=Delano|access-date=26 July 2019}}

On 25 June, much of the inland areas of the Netherlands exceeded {{convert|32|C|F}}. The KNMI issued a code yellow warning for large parts of the country due to the heat, and RIVM also put National Heat Plans into force in areas issued under code yellow.{{cite web|url=https://www.iamexpat.nl/expat-info/dutch-expat-news/hot-weather-triggers-code-yellow-and-national-heat-plan-netherlands|title=Hot weather triggers code yellow and National Heat Plan in the Netherlands| publisher=iamexpat.nl | access-date=27 June 2019}}

De Bilt, where the headquarters of the KNMI is located, recorded a temperature of {{convert|33.2|C|F}},{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=06260&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=25&hora=18|title=Synop Summary for De Bilt (06260) 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}} and parts of Uden and Gelderland recorded temperatures as high as {{convert|36|C|F}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=06283&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=28&hora=06|title=Synop Summary for Hupsel Aws (06283) 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=06375&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=25&hora=18|title=Synop Summary for Volkel (06375) 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}}

In July in the Netherlands, an orange alert was put in place for the entire country due to the extreme heat. The previous high temperature heat record {{cvt|38.6|C}}, set in Warnsveld in 1944, was broken on 24 July in Eindhoven (North Brabant) where the temperature reached {{cvt|39.3|C}}.{{cite web |last1=Krever |first1=Mick |last2=Dean |first2=Sarah |last3=Said-Moorhouse |first3=Lauren |title=What makes Europe's heat wave so insufferable? No AC |url=https://edition.cnn.com/uk/live-news/heat-wave-europe-thursday-dle-intl#h_c289bf0a04133034cfd04894af992005 |website=CNN |access-date=26 July 2019 |language=en |date=25 July 2019}} The following day, {{Convert|40.7|C|F|abbr=}} was measured in Gilze-Rijen (also North Brabant).{{cite web |last1=Pieters |first1=Janene |title=Small chance of temps hitting 42°C next week |url=https://nltimes.nl/2018/07/17/small-chance-temps-hitting-42degc-next-week |website=NL Times |access-date=26 July 2019 |language=en |date=17 July 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Newmark |first1=Zack |title=74-year-old Dutch heat record shattered: mercury rises to 39.3 |url=https://nltimes.nl/2019/07/24/74-year-old-dutch-heat-record-shattered-mercury-rises-past-391 |website=NL Times |access-date=26 July 2019 |language=en |date=24 July 2019 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The West Frisian Islands was the only region for which no weather alert had been issued but there was a heatwave for the first time ever on Vlieland and Terschelling since measurements started in 1996.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/nederland/artikel/4795581/knmi-code-oranje-extreme-hitte-weer-zomer-hittegolf|title=Extreme hitte voorbij: KNMI beëindigt code oranje|date=27 July 2019|website=RTL Nieuws|access-date=27 July 2019}}

On 27 July, the KNMI ended the orange alert for South Holland, Zeeland, North Brabant and Limburg.{{Cite web | url=https://www.hartvannederland.nl/nieuws/2019/code-oranje-voor-aanhoudende-hitte-blijft-actief-in-groot-deel-van-het-land/ | title=Talpa Network}} The same day at 22:32 CEST they ended the orange alert for the whole country.

On 22 July, ProRail announced code red for traffic controllers, as extra alertness was necessary for disturbances on the tracks and other problems due to heat.{{cite web|url=https://www.prorail.nl/nieuws/prorail-neemt-hittemaatregelen-in-hete-week|title=ProRail - ProRail neemt hittemaatregelen in hete week|website=ProRail|access-date=26 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nu.nl/binnenland/5968633/prorail-donderdag-code-rood-voor-hitte-neem-water-mee-in-trein.html|title=ProRail: Donderdag 'code rood' voor hitte, 'neem water mee in trein'|date=22 July 2019|website=NU|access-date=26 July 2019}} On 25 July, NS cancelled services on the Schiphol–Antwerp high-speed railway between Amsterdam—Schiphol— Rotterdam, and the connection between Amsterdam—Eindhoven and Eindhoven—Heerlen. As trains were exposed to high temperatures, more maintenance was required and some were taken out of service. Units without air conditioning or openable windows were also taken out of service.{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/ns-dunt-dienstregeling-uit-door-lange-blootstelling-aan-hitte-meer-onderhoud-nodig~a787ca4b/|title=NS dunt dienstregeling uit: Door lange blootstelling aan hitte meer onderhoud nodig|website=Ad.nl|access-date=26 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ovpro.nl/trein/2019/07/25/hitte-dwingt-ns-tot-schrappen-ritten/|title=Hitte dwingt NS tot schrappen ritten|website=OVPro.nl|date=25 July 2019 |access-date=26 July 2019}} This continued into the following day, except with four other routes made unavailable; Amsterdam—Alkmaar, Amsterdam—The Hague, Duivendrecht—Lelystad and Schiphol—Nijmegen.{{cite web|url=https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/ns-door-hitte-vandaag-weer-minder-intercity-s~a6c5f028|title=NS: door hitte vandaag wéér minder intercity's|website=Ad.nl|access-date=26 July 2019}}

Many farm animals died as a result of the high temperatures, mainly due to ventilation systems failing. Due to a power failure in a chicken barn in Neer, 4,000 chickens died.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/316664290/4000-kippen-dood-door-hitte |title=4000 kippen dood door hitte | Binnenland |publisher=Telegraaf.nl |date= 25 July 2019|access-date=26 July 2019}} Hundreds of chickens also died whilst being transported to Poland on 24 July because of rising temperatures.{{cite web|url=https://www.metronieuws.nl/in-het-nieuws/2019/07/honderden-kippen-dood-in-hete-vrachtwagen |title=Honderden kippen dood in hete vrachtwagen |publisher=Metronieuws.nl |date=16 July 2019 |access-date=26 July 2019}} On the same day, hundreds of pigs died in Middelharnis because of power failure in ventilation systems,{{Cite web|date=26 July 2019|title=Dode varkens en kippen door hitte en uitval ventilatie|url=https://www.pigbusiness.nl/artikel/213318-dode-varkens-en-kippen-door-hitte-en-uitval-ventilatie/|access-date=2 January 2021|website=www.pigbusiness.nl|language=nl}} and 2,100 pigs died in Maarheeze as barns reached temperatures of {{Convert|40|C|F|abbr=}}.{{Cite web|date=26 July 2019|title=2100 varkens stikken in stal Maarheeze door stroomuitval en warmte|url=https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/2100-varkens-stikken-in-stal-maarheeze-door-stroomuitval-en-warmte~a15092df/|access-date=2 January 2021|website=Algemeen Dagblad}}

Nearly 400 extra people were reported to have died during the heatwave compared to a regular summer week.

On 26 July, a temperature of {{convert|33.4|°C|°F|abbr=on}} was recorded in Bergen Municipality in Norway, setting a new temperature record for the city. A day later, at Laksfors railway station south of Mosjøen, a temperature of {{Convert|35.6|C|F|abbr=}} was recorded, equalling the national all-time temperature record first set in June 1970.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/scandinavia-goes-tropical-as-heat-wave-heads-north/a-49772793|title=Scandinavia goes tropical as heat wave heads north|date=27 July 2019|website=Deutsche Welle|access-date=7 August 2019}} However, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute later did not approve the recording due to too much gravel and too high vegetation near the station.{{Cite web|url= https://twitter.com/Meteorologene/status/1155919370620755968|title=Meteorologene på Twitter|date=27 July 2019}}

The highest recording approved was {{convert|35|°C|°F|abbr=on}} at the Mosjøen Airport on 27 July, the warmest temperature ever recorded in Northern Norway and a tie with the all-time national high for July.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yr.no/place/Norway/Nordland/Vefsn/Mosj%c3%b8en_Airport_observation_site/statistics.html?spr=eng|title=Weather statistics for Mosjøen Airport|date=27 July 2019}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The same day, a temperature of {{convert|34.6|°C|°F|abbr=on}} was recorded further north in Saltdal Municipality. This is highest temperature ever recorded inside the Arctic Circle in Norway.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yr.no/place/Norway/Nordland/Saltdal/Nordnes/statistics.html|title=Weather statistics for Nordnes, Saltdal|date=27 July 2019|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=10 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810125450/https://www.yr.no/place/Norway/Nordland/Saltdal/Nordnes/statistics.html|url-status=dead}} On 27 July, Trondheim Airport recorded a new all-time high with {{convert|33.5|°C|°F|abbr=on}} and saw five consecutive days with high above {{convert|32|°C|°F|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yr.no/place/Norway/Tr%C3%B8ndelag/Stj%C3%B8rdal/Trondheim_lufthavn,_V%C3%A6rnes/statistics.html|title=Weather statistics for Trondheim Airport Værnes|date=27 July 2019|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808095756/https://www.yr.no/place/Norway/Tr%C3%B8ndelag/Stj%C3%B8rdal/Trondheim_lufthavn,_V%C3%A6rnes/statistics.html|url-status=dead}}

At Sømna-Kvaløyfjellet, a weather station on a coastal hill {{cvt|302|m}} ASL in Nordland in Northern Norway ({{coord|65.2210062|N|11.9926825|E|display=inline|format=dms}}), the overnight low on 28 July did not go below {{convert|26.1|°C|°F|abbr=on}}, beating the previous national record for the warmest night of {{convert|25.5|°C|°F|abbr=on}} recorded 6 degrees of latitude further south in Halden Municipality, south of Oslo, in July 1933.{{Cite web|url= https://www.tv2.no/a/10746755/|title=Rekordvarm tropenatt - aldri under 26 grader|date=28 July 2019}}{{Cite web|url= https://www.newsinenglish.no/2019/07/29/norway-swelters-in-the-record-heat//|title=Norway sweltered in record heat|date=28 July 2019}} The Norwegian Meteorological Institute said that it had recorded "tropical nights" in 20 locations in the south of the country, where temperatures stayed above {{Convert|20|C|F|abbr=}} throughout the night.{{Cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190727-nordic-countries-sizzle-european-heatwave-moves-north|title=Nordic countries sizzle as European heatwave moves north|date=27 July 2019|work=France 24|access-date=7 August 2019}}

Poland recorded high temperatures early in June, with much of the country exceeding {{convert|30|C|F}} on 12 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&state=Poland&osum=no&fmt=html&ord=REV&ano=2019&mes=6&day=12&hora=18&ndays=1&Send=send|title=Synop Summary for Poland 12/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}} Like much of Western and Central Europe, most of Poland recorded temperatures as high as {{convert|33|C|F}} on 26 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&state=Poland&osum=no&fmt=html&ord=REV&ano=2019&mes=6&day=26&hora=18&ndays=1&Send=send|title=Synop Summary for Poland 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}} Poland has also exceeded its previous June record, recording {{convert|38.2|C|F}} in Radzyń.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2019/06/26/european-heat-wave-france-germany-poland-czech-republic-set-june-records-worst-is-still-come/?noredirect=on|title=European heat wave: France, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic set June records, and the worst is still to come | newspaper=The Washington Post| access-date=27 June 2019}}

Large parts of Spain recorded temperatures exceeding recorded {{convert|35|C|F}} on 27 June, and recorded its hottest temperatures in the north east of the country,{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&state=Spain&osum=no&fmt=html&ord=REV&ano=2019&mes=6&day=12&hora=18&ndays=1&Send=send|title=Synop Summary for Spain 27/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}} with temperatures reaching as high as {{convert|39.6|C|F}} in Bilbao{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=08025&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=27&hora=18|title=Synop Summary for Bilbao Sondica (08025) 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}} and exceeding {{convert|40|C|F}} in Zaragoza on 27 June.{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=08160&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=27&hora=18|title=Synop Summary for Zaragoza Aeropuerto (08160) 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=08159&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=27&hora=18|title=Synop Summary for Zaragoza Aeropuerto (08159) 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}} Albuquerque, Badajoz recorded {{convert|44.4|C|F}} on 29 June.{{cite news|language=es|newspaper=La Crónica de Badajoz|date=29 June 2019|access-date=29 June 2019|title=Alburquerque se sitúa como la localidad más calurosa de España con 44,4 grados|url=https://www.lacronicabadajoz.com/noticias/extremadura/alburquerque-situa-localidad-mas-calurosa-espana-44-4-grados_334932.html}}

Zaragoza Airport registered {{convert|43.2|C|F}} in June 2019,{{cite news|language=es|newspaper=Heraldo|date=29 June 2019|access-date=29 June 2019|title=La ola de calor funde con 43,2 grados el récord de junio en Zaragoza, que se remontaba a 1965|url=https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/aragon/2019/06/29/la-ola-de-calor-funde-con-43-2-grados-el-record-de-junio-en-zaragoza-que-se-remontaba-a-1965-1322919.html}} Zaragoza was forecasted to reach temperatures as high as {{convert|44|C|F}}, exceeding the June temperature record for the city.{{cite web|url=http://www.aemet.es/en/eltiempo/prediccion/municipios/zaragoza-id50297|title=Weather forecast by locations. Zaragoza (Zaragoza)| publisher=Agencia Estatal de Meteorología | access-date=27 June 2019}}

At least two heat stroke deaths occurred in the country: a 93-year-old man in Valladolid and a 17-year-old boy in Córdoba.{{cite news|publisher=France24|date=28 June 2019|access-date=28 June 2019|title=France fries as thermometers hit record-high temperatures|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190628-france-heatwave-record-high-temperatures-spain-europe}}{{cite news|language=es|newspaper=La Vanguardia|date=28 June 2019|access-date=28 June 2019|title=Muere un joven de 17 años tras un golpe de calor en Córdoba|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/sevilla/20190628/463146495011/ola-de-calor-cordoba-joven-17-anos-muerte-altas-temperaturas-video-seo-ext.html}}

A wildfire broke out in La Torre de l'Espanyol within the Province of Tarragona in Catalonia on 26 June. According to local authorities, the fire ignited from decomposing chicken feces exposed to prolonged sunlight. Strong winds caused the fire to expand, with the blaze covering {{convert|6500|hectare|acre}} by 28 June. It was said to be the worst wildfire in Catalonia in 20 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/27/worst-wildfire-20-years-rages-catalonia-heatwave-grips-europe/|title=Worst wildfire in 20 years rages in Catalonia as heatwave grips Europe)| publisher=The Telegraph | access-date=27 June 2019}}

By 28 June more than 600 firefighters and six aircraft were deployed to combat the blaze. Dozens of people were displaced, including at least 30 in Flix. Near the village, more than 200 sheep, 2 horses, and a donkey died in the fire.{{cite news|language=de|newspaper=Neue Zürcher Zeitung|date=28 June 2019|access-date=28 June 2019|title=Fünf Tote bei Hitzewelle in Europa - Schlimmster Waldbrand seit 20 Jahren in Katalonien|url=https://www.nzz.ch/panorama/fuenf-tote-bei-hitzewelle-in-europa-schlimmster-waldbrand-seit-20-jahren-in-katalonien-ld.1492559}} One of Ascó's Nuclear Power Plant evacuation power lines was near the site the fire started, so it was subsequently switched off in an attempt to aid with the fire extinguishing tasks. The plant continued to operate normally throughout the days.{{Cite web|title=Estats operatius - CSN|url=https://www.csn.es/ca/estados-operativos-de-centrales-nucleares?p_p_id=portletmapaestadosoperativos_WAR_MapaCentralesNuclearesportlet&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=3&_portletmapaestadosoperativos_WAR_MapaCentralesNuclearesportlet_cmd=get_detalle&_portletmapaestadosoperativos_WAR_MapaCentralesNuclearesportlet_javax.portlet.action=getDetalle|access-date=15 November 2020|website=www.csn.es}}

Sweden was only affected in the southern portion of the country. On 30 June Oskarshamn measured {{convert|33.7|C|F}} the highest June temperature since 1970.{{cite web|url=https://www.smhi.se/bloggar/vaderleken-2-3336/ovanligt-varmt-slut-pa-juni-foljs-av-mycket-kylig-start-pa-juli-1.149665|title=Ovanligt varmt slut på juni följs av mycket kylig start på juli|publisher=SMHI|language=sv}}

On 26 July, a temperature of {{Convert|34.8|C|F|abbr=}} was recorded in Markusvinsa, the highest temperature recorded in the north of Sweden since 1945. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute issued a Class 1 heat warning for parts of the country, as well as a warning for potential water shortages in August in 15 counties. To prevent forest fires due to the heat and dry weather, fire bans were put in place in several locations in Sweden.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thelocal.se/20190726/sweden-heatwave-barbecue-bans-and-weather-warnings-as-temperatures-set-to-top-30c|title=Sweden heatwave: Barbecue bans and weather warnings as temperatures set to top 30C|date=26 July 2019|website=The Local|access-date=7 August 2019}} A meteorologist at the institute stated that although above average, temperatures in the south of the country were not as extreme. Mainly, the reason for this was that July started with a cool spell in Northern Europe in between the two heat waves.

In Switzerland, heat records were broken for the month of June at nearly 30 locations across the country. Temperatures reached as high as {{convert|35.5|C|F}} in Zürich and {{convert|35.3|C|F}} in Basel on 26 June.{{cite web|url=https://lenews.ch/2019/06/26/heat-records-broken-at-nearly-30-locations-in-switzerland/|title= Heat records broken at nearly 30 locations in Switzerland| publisher=lenews.ch | access-date=27 June 2019}}

Areas with high altitudes also exceeded {{convert|30|C|F}}, with temperatures reaching as high as {{convert|30.3|C|F}} in Col Des Mosses and Adelboden.{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=06713&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=26&hora=18|title=Synop Summary for Col Des Mosses (06713) 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=06735&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=26&hora=18/|title=Synop Summary for Adelboden (06735) 26/6/2019 |publisher=Ogimet.com |access-date=27 June 2019}}

MeteoSwiss issued a Level 3 hazard due to high temperatures for much of the country, with large parts of Valais and Ticino under a Level 4 hazard, meaning high danger due to the exceptional heat.{{cite web|url=https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/home.html?tab=alarm|title=Hazards | publisher=MeteoSwiss | access-date=27 June 2019}}

The highest temperature measured during the heatwaves was {{cvt|37.4|C|F}} on 25 July in Basel. https://www.extremeweatherwatch.com/cities/basel/year-2019

On 29 June large parts of England, including the South and the Midlands, faced temperatures exceeding {{convert|30|C|F}} with the highest temperature of {{convert|34.0|C|F}} recorded at Heathrow Airport{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=03772&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=29&hora=18|title=Synop Reports Summary Heathrow 29/06/2019| publisher=Met Office| access-date=27 June 2019}} and RAF Northolt.{{cite web|url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?lang=en&ind=03672&decoded=yes&ndays=2&ano=2019&mes=06&day=29&hora=18|title=Synop Reports Summary Northolt 29/06/2019| publisher=Met Office| access-date=1 July 2019}} The heatwave was rather short lived in the United Kingdom, with temperatures dropping to near normal the next day.{{cite web|url=https://www.infoclimat.fr/climatologie-mensuelle/03772/juin/2019/londres.html|title=Climatology in London for June 2019| publisher=InfoClimat (in French)| access-date=5 August 2020}}

One child drowned in the River Irwell in Greater Manchester after diving in to cool off during high temperatures.

On 23 July, Public Health England renewed a heat warning for the whole of the United Kingdom, urging people to "keep hydrated, find shade and take protection against the sun".{{cite web|url=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/public-health-england-issues-heat-3123577|title=Public Health England issues heat warning for whole of UK|last=Shaw|first=Neil|date=23 July 2019|website=Cornwall Live|access-date=25 July 2019}} On the same night, widespread thunderstorms affected the country, with BBC Weather reporting around 48,000 lightning strikes overnight.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-49097167/lightning-strikes-the-uk-during-the-night|title=Lightning strikes the UK during the night|date=24 July 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=25 July 2019}}

On 25 July, the Met Office announced that the United Kingdom had its hottest July day on record, with a temperature of {{Convert|38.6|C|F|abbr=}} recorded in Rainham Kent. This beat the previous July record of {{Convert|36.7|C|F|abbr=}} in 2015, and marked the second time in history that the UK had recorded a temperature higher than {{Convert|38.5|C|F}}.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49106092|title=UK heatwave: Country sees hottest July day on record|date=25 July 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=25 July 2019}} On 29 July, sensors at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden recorded a temperature of {{Convert|38.7|C|F|abbr=}} on 25 July,{{cite web |last1=Press office |title=New official highest temperature in UK confirmed |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather-and-climate/2019/new-official-highest-temperature-in-uk-confirmed |access-date=29 July 2019}} breaking the national all-time record of {{convert|38.5|C|F|abbr=}} set in Brogdale, Kent, on 10 August 2003.{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2019-07-26/cambridge-stakes-claim-for-hottest-uk-day-on-record/|title=Cambridge stakes claim to hottest UK day on record|website=ITV News|language=en|access-date=26 July 2019}} Brogdale broke the highest temperature recorded in SE England for July with {{Convert|38.4|C|F}}, 0.1 °C off its previous record in 2003.{{cite web|title=Record breaking heat-wave July 2019|url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/metofficegovuk/pdf/weather/learn-about/uk-past-events/interesting/2019/2019_007_july_heatwave.pdf|access-date=5 March 2022|website=Met Office}}

New local temperature records were set in towns and cities across the country on 25 July, including {{Convert|31.6|C|F|abbr=}} in Edinburgh and {{Convert|35.1|C|F|abbr=}} in Sheffield.{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2019-07-25/the-hottest-day-for-137-years-temperature-hits-35-1c-in-sheffield/|title=The hottest day for 137 years: Temperature hits 35.1C in Sheffield |date=25 July 2019|website=ITV News|access-date=26 July 2019}}

On 25 July, Network Rail began to impose speed restrictions across its network to reduce buckling rails, as track temperatures surpassed {{Convert|50|C|F|abbr=}}.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/24/britain-facing-hottest-day-since-records-began-39c-forecast/|title=Britain facing hottest day since records began as 39C forecast for Thursday|last=Knapton|first=Sarah|date=24 July 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=25 July 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}} Measures included painting railway tracks white to reduce the temperature of the steel, and cancelling services. East Midlands Trains, Southeastern and Greater Anglia advised passengers against all but essential travel.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jul/25/uk-railways-in-chaos-as-searing-heat-sparks-fear-of-derailed-trains|title=UK railways in chaos as searing heat sparks fear of derailed trains|last1=Davies|first1=Rob|date=25 July 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=25 July 2019|last2=Topham|first2=Gwyn|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}

Many heat-related incidents on the country's rail network caused widespread disruptions, especially affecting intercity services from London. Damage to overhead line equipment occurred in Peterborough, Handsworth and Camden, as well as a trackside grass fire caused by cables snapping near West Hampstead.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-49112939|title=UK heatwave: Rail delays on UK's hottest July day|date=25 July 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=25 July 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/london/2019-07-25/ovehead-train-cables-snap-and-cause-fire-in-north-london/|title=Overhead train cables snap and cause fire in north London|date=25 July 2019|work=ITV News|access-date=25 July 2019}} Trains arriving and departing from Birmingham New Street and around the West Midlands were also disrupted. Passengers were advised not to start new journeys as the overheating of overhead cables rendered many services unable to run.{{Cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/west-midlands-railway-issues-travel-16647054|title=West Midlands Railway issues travel advice to passengers after warning NOT to start any journeys|last=Rodger|first=James|date=25 July 2019|website=BirminghamLive|access-date=28 July 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/live-coventry-warwickshire-weather-traffic-16641835|title=Afternoon report recap: Heatwave latest as weather warning in place; traffic and travel|last=Mullen|first=Edna|date=25 July 2019|website=CoventryLive|access-date=28 July 2019}}

On 26 July, all but essential travel had been advised against, after the extreme heat and storms caused severe disruption to the rail network and airports. Thameslink ran reduced services, with half of its lines unavailable. East Midlands Trains services between Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby and London St Pancras were disrupted due to overhead wire damage from the heat of the previous day, and an emergency timetable was put in place.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/26/uk-heatwave-commuters-face-fresh-chaos-railways-temperatures/|title=UK heatwave: Commuters face fresh chaos on railways and cancelled flights due to 'extreme weather'|last=Reporters|first=Telegraph|date=26 July 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=26 July 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}} All Eurostar services to and from Paris were suspended for an "undetermined amount of time" due to an exploded cable, as well as delays lasting up to an hour on Brussels services.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49122644|title=UK heatwave: More delays for travellers despite temperatures easing|date=26 July 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=26 July 2019}}

Several flights were cancelled and delayed from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports due to "extreme weather conditions across Europe". A spokesperson from Heathrow said that flights had been affected by overnight storms as a result of the heat.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/travel-news-latest-heatwave-trains-plane-cancelled-heat-a9021576.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726111004/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/travel-news-latest-heatwave-trains-plane-cancelled-heat-a9021576.html |archive-date=2019-07-26 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Thousands of passengers disrupted as flights and trains cancelled due to extreme heat|date=26 July 2019|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=26 July 2019}}

As of 1 August, the World Meteorological Organisation considered July 2019 to be at least tied for the hottest month ever recorded, based on global average temperature. Previously, June 2019 was found to be the hottest June on record.{{cite web |title=July was world's hottest month on record, WMO says |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/july-hottest-month-1.5233368 |website=CBC.ca |access-date=9 August 2019 |date=1 August 2019}} This was confirmed on 5 August by EU Earth Observation Network, which found it {{cvt|0.04|C-change}} hotter than the previous record-holder, July 2016. 2019 on the whole was found to be on track for the new hottest year on record.{{cite web |last1=Hood |first1=Marlowe |title=July hottest month measured, 2019 set to be among warmest years |url=https://phys.org/news/2019-08-july-hottest-month-globally-eu.html |website=Phys.org |access-date=9 August 2019 |language=en-us |date=5 August 2019}}

A study of the event, a collaboration between several European climatological organisations and institutes, was published on 2 August 2019. It found that the temperatures experienced during the heat wave would have been {{cvt|1.5|to|3|C-change}} lower had it not been for anthropogenic global warming, and that temperatures recorded in France and Netherlands would have occurred there on average less than once a millennium. According to the study's lead author, at the current pace of warming, such heatwaves will be another {{cvt|3|C-change}} stronger by 2050.{{cite web |title=Human contribution to the record-breaking July 2019 heatwave in Western Europe – World Weather Attribution |url=https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/human-contribution-to-the-record-breaking-july-2019-heat-wave-in-western-europe/ |website=World Weather Attribution |access-date=9 August 2019 |date=2 August 2019}}{{cite web |title=Scientists link Europe heat wave to man-made global warming |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190802-scientists-europe-heat-wave-man-made-global-warming |website=France24.com |access-date=9 August 2019 |date=2 August 2019}}

{{Portal|Weather}}

• 2003 European heat wave
• 2006 European heat wave
• 2018 European heat wave
• 2022 European heat waves
• 2023 European heatwaves
• 2024 European heatwaves
• 2019 Siberia wildfires
• List of weather records
• List of heat waves in 2019
• Climate change in Europe

{{reflist}}

• {{commons category-inline}}

{{Heat wave|state=autocollapse}}

{{Weather events in the United Kingdom}}

Category:2010s heat waves

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European heat waves

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