Three deaths reported in France as heatwave pushes temperatures above 105°F

Three elderly residents, aged between 80 and 95, died in the Bordeaux region of southwestern France after health complications linked to an extreme heatwave, local official Sophie Brocas said. Around 2,700 French schools were slated to close or adjust timetables as authorities issued red heat warnings for 49 regions, with forecasts for Bordeaux to exceed 42°C (107.6°F).

French Health Minister Stephanie Rist told TF1 that the country was heading for several days of intense heat and that the timing of any cooling was uncertain.

In Spain, the state weather agency Aemet placed the Basque Country under a red alert, predicting temperatures in San Sebastian to reach 40°C, well above the historic June average. The agency noted that temperatures across the country were 5-10°C above normal, with some northern areas exceeding 10°C above average. Nighttime relief was limited, as temperatures in parts of Andalusia remained above 25°C.

The continent’s average high temperature on Monday was 24°C, about 4.1°C above the 1961-1990 norm, according to a climate monitor, outpacing the deviations recorded in Asia and North America.

Wildlife shelters in northern Europe reported a surge in heat-stressed birds, with temperatures on rooftops reaching 50-60°C, causing birds to abandon nests. The Centre for the Rehabilitation of Animals Living in the Wild in Belgium said it had taken in 150 animals over three days.

Spain’s Labour Ministry said it was monitoring compliance with regulations that allow workers to reduce or adjust hours during orange or red weather alerts, and noted that employees may receive up to four days of paid leave if they cannot reach their workplace because of weather conditions.