Europe heatwave breaks temperature records and strains health services
More than 101 million people across Europe endured temperatures above 35°C on Thursday, with all-time June records falling in several countries; at least 212 deaths have been linked to the heat in Spain, and France activated its highest health emergency level.
A continent under extreme heat
More than 101 million people across Europe endured temperatures above 35°C on Thursday, with forecasts showing 380 million (two-thirds of the continent's population excluding Turkey) exposed to levels above 30°C, according to an AFP analysis based on German weather service data. The heatwave peaked in France, where the national average hit 30°C on Tuesday, the highest since records began in 1947.
- France records its hottest national average (30°C) since 1947; record highs in the west (43.7°C in Fontenay)
- Paris hits 40.9°C, its hottest day ever; UK sets June record (35.7°C in Charlwood); 25 cardiac arrests in Paris in 24h
- Switzerland reaches 38°C in Basel (first June day above 37°C); UK June record broken again at 36.4°C; France extends red alert to 72 departments, bans alcohol sales in Paris
- Temperatures expected to begin a gradual decline, but health pressure may persist for days
Record temperatures across Europe
Records tumbled from the Atlantic to the Alps. Paris logged 40.9°C on Wednesday, the hottest day since measurements began, while Fontenay in western France soared to 43.7°C, Nantes reached 42.2°C and Le Mans 41.8°C. The United Kingdom saw its June record broken twice: 35.7°C on Wednesday in Charlwood, then 36.4°C on Thursday in Yeovilton. Switzerland recorded 38°C in Basel, marking the first time the country exceeded 37°C in June; the previous high was 36.9°C in 1947. Germany expected up to 40°C in some regions, and the Netherlands issued its first-ever red heat warning.
- Fontenay (France)
- 43.7 °C
- Nantes (France)
- 42.2 °C
- Paris (France)
- 40.9 °C
- Basel (Switzerland)
- 38 °C
- Yeovilton (United Kingdom)
- 36.4 °C
Health emergency in France
Paris reported 25 cardiac arrests in 24 hours on Wednesday, well above the normal fewer than 10, and national emergency visits and home-medic calls multiplied fourfold.
The prime minister activated the highest-level Orsan emergency plan, and the government prepared to mobilise medical students and the health reserve. Paris authorities banned the sale of alcohol from 6 p.m. Friday and prohibited drinking on public roads from midday, warning that alcohol combined with extreme heat had devastating effects.We are beginning to have, as expected, the first deaths — and they do not concern only dehydrated elderly people but also young people suffering cardiac arrests.
The mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, called the situation "quite critical" and acknowledged an increase in mortality, while stressing that the elderly and those aged 50 to 70 who continue normal activities are at particular risk.Alcohol under intense sun has devastating effects.
Deaths and disruptions in Spain, Italy and the north
Spain attributed at least 212 deaths to the heatwave between Sunday and Wednesday, using its mortality monitoring system. In Italy, five heat-related deaths were reported, including two farm workers and a construction labourer; courts in Palermo suspended non-urgent hearings until 29 June. A six-year-old boy drowned in a prohibited bathing area near Bordeaux, one of 40 drowning deaths that French officials linked to the heat since 18 June, mostly among young people. The German railway Deutsche Bahn advised passengers to avoid non-essential travel and offered refunds, while Hamburg's half marathon was among sports events cancelled. The Netherlands and Austria imposed maximum heat warnings, and Denmark issued an orange alert for Friday.
Forecast and outlook
France reduced the number of departments under red alert from 72 to 61, but authorities warned that the health impact would linger for days as chronic conditions could worsen.
MeteoSwiss said the end of the heatwave was highly probable next week, though a last hot hurdle had to be cleared over the weekend. Forecasters expected a gradual drop in temperatures from Friday and Saturday, but stressed that emergency rooms would remain under pressure.We need a complete paradigm shift.
