Overview
- Forecasters say a strong anticyclone will build over Western Europe starting Friday, June 12, triggering a rapid warming that peaks across the weekend of June 13–14.
- Daytime highs are expected widely between 30°C and 35°C with local extremes of 35°C–38°C focused in the South‑West, especially parts of Aquitaine and the Gironde/Landes area.
- Meteorological agencies currently call the episode a short 'pic de chaleur' rather than a confirmed nationwide 'vague de chaleur' because national thermal thresholds for a heatwave certification have not been met.
- The heat will come from a southerly flow carrying subtropical air from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, and nights will stay relatively warm around 17–20°C with a small risk of afternoon storms in the Alps and Pyrenees.
- Forecast confidence falls after the weekend because models diverge: some predict Atlantic storms and cooling by Tuesday–Wednesday while others show a blocking pattern that could extend the warm spell, so authorities and residents should watch updates for heat warnings and water‑use guidance.