For years, Europe has been synonymous with cool and pleasant summers, vibrant streets, and breezy evenings attracting travellers from worldwide; especially from North India as summers in this part of India get too hot to handle. People start planning quick summer escapes to European nations. But June 2026 has changed that perception and how! It comes as a surprise that the cities which once used to be summer escapes today are struggling with heat waves and intense summer which has claimed several lives.

Social media platforms are flooded with images and videos showcasing how residents are coping with brutal heatwaves which have swept across Europe and shattered all-time temperature records across several countries. Some cities have recorded temperatures well beyond 40°C which is being called extremes. A video has gone viral on social media showing traffic lights melting in Italy and Germany due to intense heat. It was by Cevre TV (Turkey).

As per meteorological agencies and climate researchers, the current heatwave is one the most intense Europe has ever experienced in decades. Many scientists have linked it to human-induced climate change.

In fact, parts of Europe have become hotter than several North Indian cities. According to the World of Statistics report, here are six European destinations where the heat has started melting things!