Europe hit by record heatwave as Omega formation traps extreme heat

A powerful heatwave began across Western Europe on July 13 2026 as a low‑pressure system, termed the “Omega formation,” trapped hot air over the continent. Scientists from Italy’s National Research Council and the EU Copernicus climate service warned that climate change is intensifying this anticyclonic block, preventing cooler Atlantic breezes from reaching the region.

Temperatures surged to 40‑45 °C in Italy, with the islands of Sardinia and Sicily recording highs above 42 °C and heat indexes exceeding 45 °C. Similar extreme values were forecast for southern France, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and the Iberian Peninsula, while Greece and the Balkans saw peaks around 32‑34 °C. The heat persisted for weeks, driven by the stationary high‑pressure dome.

Health authorities issued heat‑health action plans as the prolonged heat increased emergency room visits, especially for vulnerable groups. Agricultural stress grew, and water in the Po Delta warmed to 32 °C, causing a massive die‑off of mussels and clams, with losses estimated at hundreds of millions of euros. The heat also forced adjustments to sporting events such as the Tour de France.

Meteorologists highlighted the unprecedented nature of the event, noting that the duration and intensity could set new European records and surpass the 2003 summer heatwave. Forecasts also warned of localized thunderstorms in northern Italy due to convective instability within the hot air mass.