---
title: "Western Europe records fifth heatwave of 2026 as temperatures hit 38°C"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/climate/western-europe-records-fifth-heatwave-of-2026-as-temperatures-hit-38c"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/western-europe-records-fifth-heatwave-of-2026-as-temperatures-hit-38c"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/climate/western-europe-records-fifth-heatwave-of-2026-as-temperatures-hit-38c.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/western-europe-records-fifth-heatwave-of-2026-as-temperatures-hit-38c"
category: "Climate"
area: "European Union"
published: "2026-08-13T16:25:35.745Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-13T15:40:34.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-13T16:25:35.745Z"
trust_score: 82
critic_score: 75
hype_score: 15
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-13T18:15:14.076294+00:00"
---

# Western Europe records fifth heatwave of 2026 as temperatures hit 38°C

*135 million people across the continent experienced temperatures above 35°C on 13 August 2026*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 82 of 100, higher is better. 37 digests agree on key facts; 444.hu report adds named source and document.
- Craft 75 of 100, higher is better. 37 digests and 1 full report; figures and dates specified.
- Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. measured language across all outlets.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Western Europe experienced its fifth heatwave of the summer on 13 August 2026, with temperatures exceeding 35°C in many areas.
- The UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far at 38.1°C, while France’s heatwave entered its 17th day.
- An estimated 135 million people in Europe were exposed to temperatures of at least 35°C on 13 August, according to AFP.
- The heatwave was expected to ease over the weekend, following record-breaking June-July average temperatures.

Western Europe recorded its fifth heatwave of the summer on 13 August 2026, with temperatures reaching at least 35°C across large parts of the continent. The UK’s Kew Gardens measured 38.1°C, the highest temperature of the year so far in the country. France, where the heatwave had lasted 17 consecutive days, saw temperatures of 38°C in cities including Nantes. Spain and Italy also experienced extreme heat.

AFP estimated that 135 million people in Europe were living in areas where temperatures reached at least 35°C on 13 August. The June-July 2026 average temperature in Western Europe broke all previous records, marking the fourth consecutive heatwave since May. Forecasts indicated the heat would begin to subside over the weekend.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mentioned the AFP estimate that 135 million people in Europe were exposed to temperatures of at least 35°C on 13 August. The same figure was also omitted from all centre-rated digests. The 17-day duration of France’s heatwave was not reported in any of the right-rated or centre-rated digests. The record-breaking June-July average temperature was not mentioned in any of the right-rated digests.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 63 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 39% (24)
- Centre: 41% (26)
- Right: 20% (13)

8 of 71 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-13T18:15:14.076294+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 8 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-13T18:30:19.811Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated digests and the full report from 444.hu led on the scale of the heatwave and its impact on populations. 444.hu described the event as the "fifth heat dome of the summer" and noted that 135 million people were exposed to temperatures of at least 35°C. The report also highlighted that the June-July average temperature in Western Europe had broken all previous records, framing the heatwave as part of a broader pattern of extreme weather.
- Several left-rated digests, including those from CBC News and The Toronto Star, emphasised the potential for the day to become the hottest of the year in the UK. The National Observer and Associated Press News led with the number of heatwaves Britain had experienced, describing the summer as "exceptional" and "expected to be the hottest on record".

### Centre

- The centre-rated digests focused on the UK’s record temperatures and the frequency of the heatwaves. The Evening Standard’s digest noted that the 38.1°C reading at Kew Gardens made 13 August the fifth hottest day on record for the country. The Globe & Mail and WFMZ led with the UK facing its fifth heatwave of the summer, describing the conditions as "hot and dry".
- Several centre-rated digests, including those from The Herald Journal and Washington Top News, repeated the prediction that temperatures could reach 38°C in central and southeast England. The Columbian and WBAL described the summer as "exceptional" and noted that records were under threat. None of the centre-rated digests mentioned the AFP estimate of 135 million people affected.

### Right

- The right-rated digests led on the UK’s fifth heatwave and the potential for a record-breaking summer. VINnews and The West Australian described the summer as "poised to be the hottest on record", while The Batesville Daily Guard and regionalmedianews.com noted that temperatures could reach 100°F (38°C) in central and southeast England. India Today’s digest was the only right-rated report to mention the strain on hospitals, water supplies and wildfire response.
- None of the right-rated digests mentioned the 135 million people affected by the heatwave, the 17-day duration of France’s heatwave, or the record-breaking June-July average temperature.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 9
- high: 38
- unknown: 11
- veryHigh: 13

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Akşam](https://aksam.com.tr/dunya/avrupanin-gobeginde-alarm-yilin-en-sicak-gunu-olarak-olculdu/haber-1690450) — Alarm in the Heart of Europe! Measured as the Hottest Day of the Year.
- [WCCB Charlotte](https://wccbcharlotte.com/2026/08/13/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [The News-Gazette](https://news-gazette.com/news/nation-world/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again/article_4f3bdaf8-c271-56d2-9ee5-f89d2356d75d.html) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [आज तक](https://aajtak.in/world/story/uk-hottest-day-2026-fifth-heatwave-record-temperature-london-ntcpvp-dskc-2621542-2026-08-13) — Britain Reels Under Intense Heat, London Records Its Hottest Day of the Year, with Temperatures Reaching 38 Degrees Celsius.
- [Європейська правда](https://eurointegration.com.ua/news/2026/08/13/7243471) — Britain Sets New Temperature Record of the Year
- [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/world-news/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again-12661444) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [Elora Fergus Today](https://elorafergustoday.com/world-news/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again-12661444) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [CambridgeToday.ca](https://cambridgetoday.ca/world-news/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again-12661444) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [LancasterOnline](https://lancasteronline.com/news/world/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again/article_c4c35906-d613-5833-8c59-7c424154a91e.html) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [Daily Express](https://express.co.uk/news/weather/2238715/temperature-today-live-uk-heatwave-met-office-hottest-day) — Met Office declares hottest day of year as 38C scorcher hits
- [Ara.cat](https://ara.cat/internacional/europa/londres-supera-38-0c-13-d-agost-esdeve-cinque-dia-mes-caluros-historia-regne-unit_25_5823578.html) — London Exceeds 38°C and August 13 Becomes the Fifth Hottest Day on Record in the United Kingdom
- [Bay Today](https://baytoday.ca/world-news/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again-12661444) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [ElliotLakeToday.com](https://elliotlaketoday.com/world-news/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again-12661444) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [Orillia Matters](https://orilliamatters.com/world-news/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again-12661444) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [Sudbury](https://sudbury.com/world-news/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again-12661444) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [Thorold Today](https://thoroldtoday.ca/world-news/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again-12661444) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [burlingtontoday.com](https://burlingtontoday.com/world-news/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-western-europe-swelters-once-again-12661444) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [The Daily Advance](https://dailyadvance.com/news/national/britain-records-its-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-summer-heat-grips-parts-of-europe/article_804d08a6-e4f1-5652-824e-c8e586909dd6.html) — Britain records its hottest day of the year as summer heat grips parts of Europe, in photos
- [The Daily Star](https://thedailystar.com/news/national/britain-records-its-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-summer-heat-grips-parts-of-europe/article_2661dccc-7ac0-5b53-9a4b-4c4791698bac.html) — Britain records its hottest day of the year as summer heat grips parts of Europe, in photos
- [Cherokee Tribune Ledger News](https://tribuneledgernews.com/local_news/state_and_national/britain-records-its-hottest-day-of-the-year-as-summer-heat-grips-parts-of-europe/article_35c02b51-0c4c-51c9-8eec-ad584ad7c314.html) — Britain records its hottest day of the year as summer heat grips parts of Europe, in photos
- [Agi.it](https://agi.it/estero/news/2026-08-13/caldo-europa-record-38523280) — The Extreme Heat Doesn't Give up, Europe Is Getting Hotter and Hotter
- [Origo](https://origo.hu/nagyvilag/2026/08/hoseg-nyugat-europaban-35-fok-feletti-homersekletek) — Heatwave Rages Again in Western Europe - Temperatures Above 35 Degrees Were Recorded in Several Countries
- [Battlefords NOW](https://battlefordsnow.com/2026/08/13/britain-and-france-swelter-again-as-western-europe-is-hit-by-another-heat-wave) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [Ckpg Today](https://ckpgtoday.ca/2026/08/13/britain-and-france-swelter-again-as-western-europe-is-hit-by-another-heat-wave) — UK records hottest day of the year as western Europe swelters once again
- [SooToday.com](https://sootoday.com/world-news/britain-and-france-swelter-again-as-western-europe-is-hit-by-another-heat-wave-12661444) — Britain and France swelter again as western Europe is hit by another heat wave
- [meadowlakeNOW](https://meadowlakenow.com/2026/08/13/britain-and-france-swelter-again-as-western-europe-is-hit-by-another-heat-wave) — Britain and France swelter again as western Europe is hit by another heat wave
- [Evening Standard](https://standard.co.uk/news/environment/met-office-kew-gardens-london-england-b1293326.html) — UK has hottest day of year so far as temperatures hit 38.1C
- [GB News](https://gbnews.com/weather/uk-weather-britain-weather-hottest-day-of-the-year) — UK records hottest day of the year as temperatures reach sweltering 38.1C
- [Daily US Times](https://dailyustimes.com/europe-swelters-5th-heatwave-hits-britain-and-france) — Europe Swelters: 5th Heatwave Hits Britain and France
- [Irish Independent](https://independent.ie/world-news/temperatures-reach-38c-as-uk-sees-its-hottest-day-of-the-year-so-far/a/159996655.html) — Temperatures reach 38C as UK sees its hottest day of the year so far
- [CBC News](https://cbc.ca/news/world/heat-wave-fires-britain-uk-france-europe-climate-change-9.7305698) — See the extreme conditions in France and England as western Europe suffers through another heat wave
- [444.hu](https://444.hu/2026/08/13/mar-az-ev-otodik-hokupolaja-terpeszkedik-europara-135-millioan-szenvednek-a-35-fokban) — The Fifth Heatwave of the Year Is Spreading Across Europe, with 135 Million People Suffering From 35 Degrees
- [VINnews](https://vinnews.com/2026/08/13/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer) — Britain to Swelter Again as It Looks Poised for a Record Hot Summer
- [The Globe & Mail](https://theglobeandmail.com/world/video-uk-faces-its-fifth-heat-wave-of-hot-and-dry-summer) — U.K. faces its fifth heat wave of hot and dry summer
- [The Hindu](https://thehindu.com/news/international/britain-poised-for-record-hot-summer-as-western-europe-swelters-under-another-heat-wave/article71340558.ece) — Britain poised for record hot summer as western Europe swelters under another heat wave
- [Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/britain-on-course-for-hottest-summer-on-record-as-fifth-heatwave-hits/articleshow/133205368.cms) — Britain on course for hottest summer on record as fifth heatwave hits
- [National Observer](https://nationalobserver.com/2026/08/13/news/britain-prepares-record-hot-summer-western-europe-swelters-under-another-heat-wave) — Britain prepares for a record hot summer as western Europe swelters under another heat wave
- [The Batesville Daily Guard](https://guardonline.com/news/world/britain-and-france-swelter-again-as-western-europe-is-hit-by-another-heat-wave/article_bd942217-17e3-5322-b815-affe01b75b34.html) — Britain and France swelter again as western Europe is hit by another heat wave
- [WFMZ](https://wfmz.com/news/ap/ap-world/britain-and-france-swelter-again-as-western-europe-is-hit-by-another-heat-wave/article_6436a185-46f6-5d46-807f-6c9258015f4e.html) — Britain and France swelter again as western Europe is hit by another heat wave
- [The West Australian](https://thewest.com.au/news/weather/new-heatwave-as-uk-poised-for-scorching-summer-record-c-22721350) — New heatwave as UK poised for scorching summer record
- [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/noticias/medio-ambiente/reino-unido-se-prepara-para-un-verano-de-calor-record-mientras-europa-occidental-se-sofoca-b3032384.html) — The UK Prepares for a Record-Breaking Summer as Western Europe Swelters
- [India Today](https://indiatoday.in/world/story/britain-heat-wave-38c-forecast-drought-wildfires-hospital-strain-ptag-2970217-2026-08-13) — Britain faces fifth heat wave as drought and wildfire risks intensify
- [Oskaloosa Herald](https://oskaloosa.com/news/national_news/britain-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer-as-western-europe-swelters-under-another-heat-wave/article_95786771-2c9f-54af-a4c6-a33add43c1b4.html) — Britain poised for a record hot summer as western Europe swelters under another heat wave
- [The Herald Journal](https://hjnews.com/world/britain-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer-as-western-europe-swelters-under-another-heat-wave/article_86934e4e-8289-54af-bbb1-c0b144216700.html) — Britain poised for a record hot summer as western Europe swelters under another heat wave
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/europe/2026/08/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer) — Britain poised for a record hot summer as western Europe swelters under another heat wave
- [The Columbian](https://columbian.com/news/2026/aug/13/britain-and-france-swelter-again-as-western-europe-is-hit-by-another-heat-wave) — Britain and France swelter again as western Europe is hit by another heat wave
- [regionalmedianews.com](https://regionalmedianews.com/world/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer - Regional Media News
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/uk-heatwave-weather-met-office-b3032276.html) — UK faces fifth heatwave as exceptional summer set to be hottest on record
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/bulletin/news/uk-heatwave-weather-met-office-b3032276.html) — UK faces fifth heatwave as exceptional summer set to be hottest on record
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/europe/11063387/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/world/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/europe/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_054e3e24-5086-5e17-be4d-d097a50ed7f9.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer) — Britain and France swelter again as western Europe is hit by another h
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/europe-heatwave-drought-wildfire-1efa65679bd29770e3b7ea4a9ca839a4) — Britain and France swelter again as western Europe is hit by another heat wave
- [Audacy](https://audacy.com/kywnewsradio/news/world/europe-heatwave-drought-wildfire-1efa65679bd29770e3b7ea4a9ca839a4) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [Cecil Daily](https://cecildaily.com/ap/world/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_55deda12-af61-5d8b-86db-74c71ddc4cc9.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [Rutland Herald](https://rutlandherald.com/news/world/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_54fcde91-ef0f-550d-ae22-606e838a5295.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [WBOC 16](https://wboc.com/news/international/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_ee9a1d4c-feff-5830-b14d-d78742d64f33.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [pmg-ky3.com](https://pmg-ky3.com/ap/ap_news/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_1fa10116-c1d6-5995-ad50-98af0fbc51b1.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [somdnews.com](https://somdnews.com/ap/world/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_5193fc3b-df05-53ed-8261-960dce38ae1e.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [union-bulletin.com](https://union-bulletin.com/news/world/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_a2c67ced-5d62-558a-919c-e8fe30a42926.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [Boston 25 News](https://boston25news.com/news/world/britain-swelter/6H6A4FQMR4ZDVCVXTDECTSIN2E) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [KSAT 12](https://ksat.com/news/world/2026/08/13/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/world/2026/08/13/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [WPLG](https://local10.com/news/2026/08/13/britain-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer-as-western-europe-swelters-under-another-heat-wave) — Britain and France swelter again as western Europe is hit by another heat wave
- [abc News](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/britain-swelter-poised-record-hot-summer-135601287) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [St Catharines Standard](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/life/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_6af3f24a-a1f0-59e0-929d-6586d45dfc64.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/life/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_1b9172ad-bf9f-5dcd-a143-011b7512ce4d.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [WellandTribune.ca](https://wellandtribune.ca/life/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer/article_3422a637-7b07-55b2-9c53-603c70e44c30.html) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/greenpage/2026/08/12/britain-to-swelter-again-as-it-looks-poised-for-a-record-hot-summer) — Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
- [Spectator Australia](https://spectator.com.au/2026/08/the-battle-for-britain-15-august-2026) — The Battle for Britain

## Questions

**How many people were affected by the heatwave on 13 August 2026?**

AFP estimated that 135 million people in Europe were living in areas where temperatures reached at least 35°C on 13 August 2026. This figure was reported by left-rated outlets but omitted from all centre-rated and right-rated digests.

**What was the highest temperature recorded in the UK during the heatwave?**

The UK’s Kew Gardens recorded 38.1°C on 13 August 2026, making it the hottest day of the year so far. This was reported by the Evening Standard and corroborated by other outlets.

**How long had France’s heatwave lasted by 13 August 2026?**

France’s heatwave had reached its 17th consecutive day by 13 August 2026, with temperatures hitting 38°C in cities like Nantes. This detail was reported by 444.hu but omitted from all centre-rated and right-rated digests.

**Was this heatwave expected to break records?**

Yes, the June-July 2026 average temperature in Western Europe broke all previous records, and the summer was expected to be the hottest on record. This was reported by multiple outlets, including 444.hu and The West Australian.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/climate/western-europe-records-fifth-heatwave-of-2026-as-temperatures-hit-38c. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Western Europe records fifth heatwave of 2026 as temperatures hit 38°C", https://mediabias.news/climate/western-europe-records-fifth-heatwave-of-2026-as-temperatures-hit-38c