Europe Heatwave Turns Deadly as Death Toll Rises Across France, Spain and Italy
A severe heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with France, Spain and Italy recording extreme temperatures that have contributed to dozens of deaths and widespread disruption.
In France, at least 40 people have drowned since last Thursday, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Many of the victims were attempting to cool off in rivers and canals as temperatures climbed to exceptional levels. The country recorded its hottest June day on Monday, followed by its warmest night on record, with average minimum temperatures reaching 21.6°C.
More than half of France remains under red alert as authorities warn people against swimming in unsupervised waters. Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari said several of those who died were children or inexperienced swimmers.
Among the incidents reported were the deaths of a 13-year-old girl in the River Seine and two young children who were found in a parked car in Carpentras. A professional footballer remains in critical condition after being rescued from the Rhône River.
Spain is facing similar conditions, with temperatures exceeding 40°C across large parts of the country and reaching 45°C in Andújar. The national weather agency, Aemet, has warned that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense, particularly during June.
Red alerts are in place in Andalusia, Cantabria and the Basque Country, while forecasters expect temperatures to reach 44°C near Córdoba and 42°C in the Ebro Valley. In Italy, red alerts have been issued in 15 major cities, including Rome, Milan and Venice.
Authorities have warned that conditions pose health risks even for people in good physical condition. The government has reinstated emergency labour measures, allowing outdoor workers to avoid the hottest parts of the day and enabling businesses to access furlough support when operations are suspended because of the heat.
Germany has also reported several fatalities linked to the extreme weather. Six people drowned over the weekend as temperatures moved towards 40°C. The German Lifesaving Association said some swimmers, particularly men, were overestimating their abilities in rivers such as the Rhine, where three bodies were recently recovered.
The heatwave is also affecting infrastructure across the region. In France, rail services are facing disruption as tracks deform under high temperatures. A nuclear power plant in Golfech was temporarily shut down after river water used for cooling approached legal temperature limits.
Belgium and the Netherlands are preparing for the hottest period later this week. Authorities have issued Code Orange alerts and activated national heat plans to help manage the impact of the extreme weather.
The prolonged heat is placing increasing pressure on public health services, transport systems and energy networks across Europe. Meteorologists have warned that periods of extreme heat are becoming more common and are expected to remain a significant challenge in the years ahead.