Europe is facing a severe heatwave, with France recording 2,025 excess deaths between June 22 and June 28, an increase of nearly 30% according to Public Health France. The Paris region alone saw a 62% rise in mortality during that period. Officials indicated these figures are likely an underestimate.
Drowning deaths also surged, with French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reporting 72 fatalities by drowning since June 18. The Netherlands experienced unprecedented heat last week, resulting in approximately 480 excess deaths, primarily among individuals aged 80 and older. Temperatures in some Dutch areas reached nearly 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Climate change is contributing to rising global temperatures, with Europe warming at twice the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service. This trend is leading to more frequent and intense summer heatwaves, straining water supplies and increasing the risk of wildfires.
Forecasters are warning of continued extreme temperatures across the continent. High pressure is building from the Azores toward Portugal and Spain, with heat expected to climb across France and southern Britain by the weekend. Temperatures are predicted to reach 40 degrees Celsius in southern France, with highs of 36 to 37 degrees Celsius expected around Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Agen.
Météo-France has issued red alerts for forest fires in southern France for Friday and Saturday, citing a "very high" risk due to current weather conditions. Since the start of the summer season, nearly 7,000 fires have broken out, burning approximately 8,700 hectares, according to Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. On Thursday, nearly 3,000 people were evacuated after a wildfire spread through Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and Canet-en-Roussillon.
Meanwhile, millions in the central and eastern United States are also contending with prolonged extreme heat and high humidity as they observe the July Fourth holiday weekend. Parts of Europe, including Belgium, have also reported significant numbers of excess deaths during recent heatwaves. Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths, a 39% increase over its usual mortality rate, with nearly half of those affected being over 85 years old. The country's health ministry described the number of deaths during the heatwave as "unprecedented."