France recorded around 1,000 additional deaths last week during a severe heat wave that shattered temperature records across Europe, according to the country's public health agency. The World Health Organization highlighted that Europe is warming at twice the global average, with 150 million people experiencing extreme heat and hundreds of fatalities.
Temperature records fell in multiple countries over the weekend. Germany registered a new high of 41.7 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in Neißemünde, while Poland reached 40.5 C (104.9 F) and the Czech Republic recorded 41.9 C (107.4 F). These extreme temperatures were virtually impossible without climate change, according to a rapid study by the World Weather Attribution collaboration.
In France, the national public health agency reported over 1,200 deaths on Wednesday, when the country experienced its peak temperatures, with more than 1,400 deaths recorded on each of the subsequent two days. This surge represents a significant increase compared to the daily death rate of 900 to 1,000 observed in April and May before the heat wave. The agency cautioned that this estimate of at least 1,000 excess deaths over three days is likely to rise as more data becomes available, particularly for deaths occurring at home. The increase was most pronounced in areas under extreme heat warnings, affecting about three-quarters of the country, with 85% of the deceased individuals aged 65 and above.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on X that the "once-in-a-generation" heat wave, amplified by climate change, is now occurring nearly annually. He noted that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been linked to high temperatures in Europe since June 21. "Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ — and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures," Tedros warned, urging European nations to enhance preparedness, prevention, and health system responses.
The extreme heat has been followed by severe thunderstorms across the continent. In Sweden, lightning strikes at an amusement park injured three adults, one seriously. Denmark, after setting new temperature records, reported 1,156 lightning strikes by Sunday morning.
Wildfires erupted in Germany, including one in Gohrischheide in a forest contaminated with World War II ammunition, complicating firefighting efforts. Another significant fire near Traisen in southwest Germany prompted the evacuation of 650 residents as the blaze spread into an area with unexploded ordnance, leading to temporary work stoppages for firefighters due to explosions.
Emergency services in German cities reported a surge in dispatches for heat-related illnesses, with Berlin alone experiencing an additional 500 ambulance calls on Saturday. To offer relief, Berlin police deployed water cannons in front of the Brandenburg Gate, spraying cheering crowds.
Infrastructure has also suffered. Highways experienced surface damage from the heat, and Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national rail operator, advised against non-essential train travel. In Brandenburg, over 600 passengers were evacuated from a train that lost power and air conditioning when a tree fell on overhead lines during a storm, resulting in two hospitalizations for heat-related issues. In Leipzig, high temperatures damaged tram tracks and switches, leading to service suspensions.