A severe heatwave has broken temperature records across Germany, Denmark, and is now moving into central and eastern Europe. On June 29, 2026, Serbia's weather service issued a heat hazard warning. In Serbian cities like Sombor and Novi Sad, temperatures reached 30–31°C (86–88°F). Belgrade is experiencing the longest heatwave in its recorded history.

The heat is already deadly. Reuters reported dozens of heat-related deaths across the continent. Climate scientists analyzed the event and found something significant: this kind of extreme heat would be virtually impossible without human-caused climate change. Of more than 800 European cities studied, 45% recorded or were about to record their hottest heat levels ever measured for late June.

Crops and Water Under Stress

The problem began earlier. In May 2026, western Europe was already much hotter than normal, according to European Commission research. Spring was dry. These conditions had already weakened crop yields before June's extreme heat arrived — facts documented in the June 22 crop report. Drought spread across Europe as June began, the European Drought Observatory confirmed.

Farmers growing corn, sunflower, and soybeans face serious crop damage. When soil is already dry and temperatures stay above 35°C (95°F) for days or weeks, corn plants cannot pollinate properly. Once that happens, the crop is lost — it cannot recover. The combination of spring drought plus June's extreme heat means the damage happens fast.

Forecasts and Emergency Systems

Europe's weather center issued a seasonal forecast in March 2026 that predicted this heat was possible. The forecasting community had detailed briefings about heatwave risks weeks before June arrived. Most countries now have warning systems in place. These were strengthened after a massive 2003 heatwave killed approximately 70,000 people across Europe.

Now the question is whether these warning systems and hospital emergency plans can handle a heat event that lasts for weeks, not days.

The Coming Days

The heat is moving west to east across Europe — a pattern caused by a stationary high-pressure system that keeps heat trapped and blocks cooler air from the Atlantic. These patterns usually last one to three weeks. Forecasts are confident for the next few days, but less certain after that.

Three things will determine what happens next: How long does the heat stay? Do temperatures drop enough at night for people and plants to recover? Can weather systems from the Atlantic break through and end the heat?

Until one of these changes, the risk to crops and public health remains high. What makes this moment unusual is that scientists can now prove — while the heat is still happening — that human-caused climate change made this event far more likely. Ten years ago, that was not possible.