The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded approximately 1,300 excess deaths across Europe in the past week, with more than 1,000 of those occurring in France, as a severe heatwave continues to grip the continent. Temperatures have exceeded 40°C in several regions, affecting tens of millions of people.
France Reports Over 1,000 Excess Deaths
French health authorities announced on Sunday that preliminary figures indicated around 1,000 excess deaths compared to previous months since June 24. Officials warned that the toll is likely to increase as data remains unconsolidated. According to Public Health France, the hardest-hit areas were those under the highest red heat alert, where prolonged temperatures above 40°C created particularly dangerous conditions. Approximately 85% of the excess deaths involved individuals aged 65 and older. Health officials noted that the most significant increase in deaths occurred at home, especially in the Ile-de-France region, which includes Paris and its suburbs, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly and isolated residents during extreme weather.
WHO Chief Warns of 'Silent Killer'
In Geneva, the WHO reported over 1,300 excess deaths in Europe since June 21. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described heat stress as a 'silent killer,' stating that European homes, workplaces, and schools were not built for such temperatures. He warned on X that millions across the continent are currently living under extreme heat, with hundreds dead, schools closed, and power grids under strain.
Heatwave Begins to Ease in France
The heatwave began to subside in France on Sunday after several days of exceptionally high temperatures, which saw the mercury climb above 40°C in parts of the country. This brought some relief following one of the most intense early summer heat episodes in recent years. However, the French prime minister's office cautioned that pressure on the healthcare system would persist, and hospital admissions would remain high for several days.
Record Temperatures Across Europe
Germany and Italy endured sweltering conditions over the weekend after temperatures broke records above 40°C. Denmark registered its highest temperature on record on Saturday, with the Danish Meteorological Institute reporting 36.6°C north of Odense, the warmest day since measurements began in 1874. Slovakia confirmed that Friday night was its warmest on record, with temperatures not dropping below 26.3°C. A preliminary German record of 41.3°C was reached near the city of Saarbrucken close to the French border on Friday.
Heatwave Leads to Drownings and Wildfires
In the UK, a teenager, two men, and a woman died on Saturday after getting into difficulty while swimming in open water. Combined with a death on Friday and another on Wednesday, the total number of drownings during the recent heatwave has reached six. Reports of wildfires in France have also increased compared to the same period last year, according to officials.
Climate Driver Behind Extreme Heat
The heatwave has pushed temperatures up to 18°C above their seasonal average, according to the Reuters climate monitor. This extreme weather is driven by a phenomenon known as an omega block, where hot air is trapped over regions for extended periods, with cooler air on its fringes.
