PARIS, July 3, 2026 — Europe is preparing for another spell of dangerous heat as authorities report that the record-breaking heatwave in late June has already claimed thousands of lives, with France alone recording more than 2,000 excess deaths during the peak of the extreme weather.
French health officials announced that 2,025 additional deaths were recorded between June 22 and June 28, representing a 29 per cent increase compared with the previous week. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said the sharp rise was particularly evident among people aged 45 and older, while public health officials cautioned that the final death toll could be even higher as additional data becomes available.
France experienced its hottest nationwide day on record on June 24, with temperatures approaching 41°C in Paris and nearly half of the country placed under the highest-level red heat alert. The extreme conditions placed enormous pressure on public health services and emergency responders while increasing the risk of dehydration, heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
The deadly impact of the heatwave has extended well beyond France. Belgian authorities reported 1,222 excess deaths, representing a 39 per cent increase over normal levels, with nearly half of the victims aged 85 and older. Health officials described the mortality rate as unprecedented. In the Netherlands, approximately 480 excess deaths were recorded during the same period, most involving seniors over the age of 80 as temperatures climbed close to 40°C in several regions.
The severe heat has also contributed to a sharp increase in accidental drownings. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that 72 people had died in drowning incidents since June 18 as residents sought relief from soaring temperatures in lakes, rivers and coastal waters.
Meteorologists warn that another significant heatwave is expected to develop across southwestern Europe this weekend. Forecasts indicate temperatures could once again exceed 40°C in southern France, while cities including Bordeaux and Toulouse are expected to experience highs between 36°C and 37°C. Similar conditions are forecast across parts of Spain, Portugal and southern Britain.
The prolonged heat has dramatically increased the threat of wildfires across southern Europe. French weather agency Météo-France has issued the highest wildfire warnings for parts of southern France, citing exceptionally dry vegetation and strong winds. French authorities report that nearly 7,000 wildfires have broken out since the beginning of the summer season, burning approximately 8,700 hectares of land. Thousands of residents were recently evacuated after a rapidly spreading wildfire threatened communities near Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and Canet-en-Roussillon.
On the Iberian Peninsula, Portuguese authorities have declared a national state of alert as temperatures above 40°C are forecast in several regions, with overnight temperatures remaining above 25°C. Spain has also issued high-level heat alerts for parts of the country where extreme temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend.
Climate scientists continue to warn that Europe is warming faster than any other continent, with temperatures increasing at roughly twice the global average. Rising temperatures are contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves, prolonged drought conditions, increased pressure on water resources and a growing number of destructive wildfires across the region.
Public health officials are urging residents, particularly seniors, young children and those with underlying medical conditions, to remain hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours and closely follow emergency weather advisories as Europe prepares for another period of potentially life-threatening heat.
Source: Adapted from BBC News.