PARIS: A severe and prolonged heatwave has swept across large parts of Europe, claiming at least 18 lives in France, including two young children who were found unconscious in a hot car outside their home in the south-east of the country on Tuesday.
Authorities said the children, aged two and four, could not be revived despite emergency efforts. Several other fatalities among elderly residents have also been reported, with officials linking the deaths to extreme temperatures.
Across France, soaring heat forced schools to close or adjust schedules as temperatures climbed well above seasonal norms. In Bordeaux, the mercury reached 41.9°C, setting a new record for the region, while other cities including Poitiers also recorded historic highs.
Neighbouring Spain experienced similarly extreme conditions, with temperatures in traditionally cooler northern areas approaching 40°C, far above June averages.
Meteorologists have attributed the prolonged spell of extreme weather to an “Omega block” pattern, which traps hot air over a region and limits airflow. Experts say the system is drawing in hot air from North Africa and the Sahara, intensifying conditions and prolonging the heatwave.
UK may see record June heat at 39°C
In the United Kingdom, the Met Office has warned that parts of the country could experience temperatures exceeding 39°C, potentially breaking long-standing June records dating back to 1957 and 1976. Officials have urged people to take precautions as the heatwave continues to intensify.
Italy has issued red alerts in multiple cities, while utility companies in some regions are struggling with increased demand, leading to occasional power disruptions. Emergency services across several countries have also reported a rise in heat-related incidents, including drowning cases as people attempt to cool off in unsafe conditions.
Scientists warn that climate change is amplifying the severity and frequency of such extreme weather events, pushing temperatures significantly above seasonal averages across Europe.
