A severe heatwave continues to grip large parts of Europe, pushing temperatures to 40 degrees Celsius in several nations. France has reported approximately 1,000 excess deaths linked to the extreme heat, with officials warning that this number may increase as investigations into fatalities in care homes and private residences proceed.
Most heat-related deaths in France have involved elderly individuals, the country’s public health agency. The heatwave, which began on June 20, is considered the most intense ever recorded in Europe. Experts highlight the strain it has placed on healthcare systems, transportation networks, electricity generation, and infrastructure.
In a significant development, the World Health Organization’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that around 150 million people are currently experiencing extreme heat conditions. He emphasized that hundreds of deaths have been reported, schools have closed, and electricity grids are under mounting pressure. He also pointed out that climate change has turned what were once rare “once-in-a-generation” heatwaves into events occurring almost annually. Many homes, schools, and workplaces across Europe remain ill-equipped to handle such prolonged high temperatures.
Climate scientists have stated that this heatwave would have been nearly impossible without human-driven climate change, which has increased the likelihood of exceptionally high nighttime temperatures by about 100 times compared to two decades ago.
Several countries, including Austria, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, have recorded new temperature records. Thunderstorms have swept through parts of France, causing disruptions to transport and electricity supplies. In Germany, rail services on a major route in North Rhine-Westphalia were reduced due to the heat, and tram operations in Leipzig were suspended. Many residents reportedly stayed indoors until after sunset to avoid the dangerous heat.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to worshippers who attended Sunday prayers in St Peter’s Square despite the sweltering conditions.
The heatwave has also impacted Europe’s waterways. Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant had to reduce its output as the Danube River, which provides cooling water, became too warm. In Italy, the Po River’s water levels have dropped significantly, allowing seawater to intrude nearly 18 kilometers inland. This has raised concerns about agricultural productivity and the preservation of protected wetlands in the river delta.
Authorities have reported numerous drowning incidents involving people seeking relief in lakes and rivers. In Italy, rescue teams continue searching for the husband of cabinet minister Eugenia Roccella, who went missing while swimming in Lake Vico on Saturday.
The Czech Republic issued smog warnings for central and northern regions due to high temperatures causing dangerous ground-level ozone concentrations. Residents were advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Meteorologists predict that thunderstorms will affect parts of France, Germany, and the Czech Republic in the coming days, bringing cooler weather to much of Western Europe as the heatwave shifts toward Central Europe and the Balkans.
Although temperatures have decreased across most of France, some northeastern areas remain under heat alerts. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist warned that the health effects of the heatwave could persist for up to ten days after temperatures drop, stating, “The episode is not finished.” Storms that passed through parts of France late Saturday provided some relief but also caused widespread power outages. Electricity provider Enedis reported that around 36,000 households in northern and central France were still without power on Sunday afternoon.
