Europe heatwave turns deadly

A severe heatwave is moving across Europe and it has already taken the lives of at least 18 people in France. This includes two children who were found unconscious in a family car in the southeast part of the country. 

The deaths come as record-breaking temperatures continue to grip large parts of the continent.

French cities recorded unprecedented June temperatures, with Bordeaux reaching 41.9°C and Poitiers climbing to 41.2°C, surpassing records that had stood for decades. Authorities closed schools, adjusted class schedules and issued health warnings as extreme heat strained public services.

The heatwave has also contributed to a rise in drowning incidents. French officials reported around 20 drowning deaths since the weekend as many people sought relief from soaring temperatures by swimming in rivers, lakes and other unsupervised areas. Emergency services urged residents to use only monitored swimming locations.

Across Europe, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom are also experiencing unusually high temperatures. Forecasters in Britain warned that temperatures could exceed 39°C this week, potentially breaking long-standing June records. Italy has issued red heat alerts for several major cities, while Spain continues to face temperatures well above seasonal averages.

Meteorologists attribute the extreme conditions to an “Omega block” weather pattern that is drawing hot air from North Africa into Europe. Climate experts warn that human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such heatwaves, with Europe warming at more than twice the global average rate.