A severe heatwave is gripping western Europe, shattering temperature records and prompting widespread health warnings. In southeastern France, two young children, aged 4 and 2, were found dead in their family's car, with heat identified as the primary line of inquiry, according to local prosecutor Hélène Mourges. The town of Carpentras was expected to exceed 39°C (102.2°F) on Monday afternoon.
These deaths follow the weekend deaths of three elderly individuals near Bordeaux, aged between 80 and 95, who experienced health issues attributed to the extreme temperatures. Additionally, thirteen other individuals drowned in swimming accidents.
French authorities have placed half the country, encompassing 49 of the 96 mainland departments, on a danger-to-life warning, advising 35 million people to exercise "absolute vigilance" and avoid exertion and direct sun. By Tuesday, six additional departments were slated for a red alert, with 35 others remaining on an orange alert. Météo-France, the national weather service, indicated that the "very high temperatures are setting in for the long term across the country."
Temperatures across western and central France were predicted to surpass 40°C (104°F) from Monday afternoon, with Bordeaux reaching 43°C (109.4°F), Limoges 41°C (105.8°F), Toulouse and Tours 40°C (104°F), and Paris 39°C (102.2°F). These temperatures are expected to continue rising through the week. Nighttime lows are also forecast to be significantly higher than average until at least Friday, with some cities already recording all-time record minimums of approximately 25°C (77°F) on Sunday night.
France's national heat index, an average of daily and nightly highs, is projected to reach its highest recorded level on Monday or Tuesday. In response to the heat, over 1,300 schools nationwide were closed on Monday, and another 4,000 adjusted schedules to allow early dismissals. Approximately 10% of regional train services around Paris were canceled due to concerns about infrastructure.
"Many people are going to suffer, because bodies suffer from an accumulation of high temperatures," stated Stéphanie Rist, France's health minister, urging the public to check on vulnerable neighbors. She noted on French television that the country was facing "several days of very, very hot weather" with no clear end in sight.
Despite the conditions, France proceeded with its Fête de la Musique street festival on Sunday, though some local events were canceled or limited to evening hours, and alcohol restrictions were implemented in many areas.
Spain declared its first official heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 44°C (111.2°F) in some regions. A public screening of a World Cup match in Madrid was canceled. The state weather service Aemet warned of "extremely high" temperatures and issued a red alert for the northern Basque region, where San Sebastián was forecast to hit 40°C (104°F), more than double the seasonal average. A spokesperson for Aemet noted temperatures were 5 to 10 degrees above normal, and even higher in some northern areas.
In Germany, the final of the Berlin Open tennis tournament was suspended and the venue cleared due to severe thunderstorms, even as temperatures in Berlin exceeded 30°C (86°F) over the weekend. Belgium's weather institute reported that temperatures, already past 30°C on Sunday, could be the "hottest ever recorded," leading to some train service cancellations.
The UK's Met Office issued an "extreme heat" warning for southern England and parts of Wales until Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 39°C (102.2°F). The current June record in the UK is 35.6°C (96.1°F), set in 1976.
Italy issued heatwave red alerts for 12 cities, including Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Rome. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events to global warming, noting that such conditions are becoming more common, severe, and longer-lasting, occurring earlier and later in the year.