A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has broken temperature records, claimed hundreds of lives, and forced authorities to cancel major public events as governments struggle to cope with extreme weather conditions.
Germany recorded its highest-ever June temperature of 41.3°C in the southwestern city of Saarbrücken on Friday, while Belgium and the Netherlands also experienced record-breaking heat. In the United Kingdom, temperatures reached a provisional June high of 37.1°C in Suffolk.
According to meteorologists, more than 150 million people across Europe were exposed to temperatures above 35°C, with little relief expected over the weekend. Several countries, including the Czech Republic, Austria, and Serbia, are also preparing for potentially record-breaking temperatures.
The heatwave has had deadly consequences. Spain reported 327 heat-related deaths between Sunday and Thursday, while French authorities warned that fatalities are expected to rise as hospitals face increasing pressure. France has also recorded 55 drowning deaths since the start of the heatwave, many involving people swimming in unsupervised areas.
Among the most tragic incidents, an 18-month-old child died after being left inside a parked car in Marseille. Similar cases involving young children have also been reported elsewhere in France.
Extreme temperatures have disrupted transportation and public life across the continent. A Eurostar train traveling from Cologne to Paris broke down near Brussels, leaving around 400 passengers stranded in intense heat. Three passengers were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Authorities have cancelled or postponed several major public events due to health concerns. Paris Pride has been delayed until September, while the popular Solidays music festival was cancelled after health officials warned that hospitals were already overwhelmed. In the Netherlands, organizers called off the Defqon.1 music festival following an unprecedented red alert for extreme heat.
Germany has also cancelled numerous outdoor events, including the Hamburg Half Marathon.
The heat has affected critical infrastructure as well. Switzerland’s Beznau nuclear power plant temporarily shut down both of its reactors after the River Aare became too warm to provide adequate cooling.
Climate experts say the current heatwave is among the most severe ever recorded in Europe. Scientists from World Weather Attribution reported that temperatures across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and southern England were 5°C to 12°C above seasonal averages, driven by a persistent high-pressure system.
Researchers also warn that climate change is intensifying heatwaves, with Europe warming nearly twice as fast as the global average. Swiss glacier experts say the extreme heat is rapidly melting glaciers, with winter snow reserves expected to disappear weeks earlier than normal.
Meanwhile, Spain continues to battle the aftermath of the heatwave, where a wildfire near Barcelona forced around 16,000 residents to remain indoors. Police have arrested one person on suspicion of starting the blaze.
With temperatures expected to remain dangerously high in many parts of Europe, health officials continue urging people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.