Health
Europe heatwave leaves over 1,300 dead as temperatures break records
By Ayoola Babalola
Europe’s record-breaking heatwave has killed more than 1,300 people since last week, according to the World Health Organisation, as extreme temperatures swept across the continent, disrupted public services and pushed several countries to record their hottest days in decades.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said the deaths were linked to high temperatures recorded across Europe since June 21, warning that climate change was making extreme heat events increasingly frequent and severe.
“Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ — and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures,” Tedros said.
He added that Europe was warming at twice the global average, urging governments to strengthen heat-health action plans to protect vulnerable populations.
The heatwave, which initially affected Western Europe, has moved eastwards, with countries including Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic experiencing record temperatures over the weekend.
Germany recorded its hottest day for the third consecutive day on Sunday, after temperatures reached 41.7 degrees Celsius in Coschen, near the Polish border, according to preliminary data from the country’s meteorological service.
The country had earlier recorded a preliminary high of 41.3 degrees Celsius near Saarbrücken, close to the French border, prompting authorities to issue extreme heat warnings across much of the country.
Germany’s weather service warned that temperatures could reach 42 degrees Celsius in some areas, while authorities urged residents to conserve water amid rising demand.
In Poland, temperatures reached a national record of 40.5 degrees Celsius in the western town of Słubice, according to local meteorological authorities.
The Czech Republic also recorded one of its hottest days, with temperatures climbing to 41.1 degrees Celsius at Doksany, north of Prague.
Denmark experienced its hottest day since records began in 1874, after temperatures reached 36.6 degrees Celsius north of Odense, while Slovakia reported its warmest night on record, with temperatures failing to fall below 26.3 degrees Celsius.
France, Britain, Switzerland and Germany had already experienced unprecedented heat earlier in June, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius in several locations.
In France, authorities reported about 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday, with many fatalities occurring among people aged 65 and above.
The country’s health ministry also recorded a rise in deaths at home during the heatwave.
Reports from local outlets said dozens of people had died in France during the extreme weather, while wildfires increased compared with the same period last year.
The heat also disrupted transport, education and public events across Europe.
Germany’s national rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, allowed passengers to cancel long-distance travel bookings without penalties due to concerns over damage to railway infrastructure caused by extreme heat.
A section of the A7 motorway near Hamburg was temporarily closed after the heat caused the road surface to split.
In France, high temperatures disrupted rail services, affected power generation and forced authorities to suspend some school activities and outdoor events.
Italy’s Health Ministry issued a red heat alert for 18 cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Bologna, as temperatures were forecast to approach 39 degrees Celsius.
Several cultural events were adjusted because of the heat, including the Milan Pride march, which was delayed to avoid the hottest part of the day.
The Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt also shortened parts of its cycling and running routes because of the extreme conditions.
The United Kingdom also recorded fatalities linked to the heatwave, with several deaths reported after people experienced difficulties while swimming in open water.
The latest incidents brought the number of water-related deaths during the current heat period to six, following previous warnings from authorities about increased risks as people sought ways to cool down.
Scientists have linked the intensity of the heatwave to human-induced climate change, saying such extreme temperatures would have been significantly less likely two decades ago.
Researchers said Europe has been warming faster than any other continent, with recent decades witnessing longer and more intense heat events.
The current heatwave has been driven by an atmospheric pattern known as an “omega block,” which traps hot air over affected regions for extended periods.
Beyond the immediate health risks, authorities warned of wider consequences for infrastructure and the environment.
Farming communities have reported losses, while some hospitals have struggled with increased demand. Cultural landmarks have reduced operating hours, and schools across parts of Europe have closed as governments attempt to protect children from dangerous temperatures.
Officials also warned that many European buildings were not designed for extreme heat, with much of the housing stock built to retain warmth rather than provide cooling.
As temperatures begin to ease in parts of Western Europe, forecasters said Central and Eastern Europe could continue experiencing dangerous heat before thunderstorms bring relief in some areas.
Authorities across the continent have urged residents to remain hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and check on vulnerable people, particularly older citizens and those with underlying health conditions.
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