Europe Records Surge in Heat-Related Deaths as Temperatures Hit New Highs
France reported about 1,000 excess deaths during a three-day heat spell, while record temperatures were set in Germany and the Czech Republic, prompting WHO warnings and emergency measures across the continent.
France’s public health agency said the country experienced at least 1,000 additional deaths over three days of an unprecedented heat wave, with daily fatalities rising from the usual 900-1,000 to more than 1,400. The increase was most pronounced in regions under red heat warnings and affected primarily people aged 65 and older.
Germany logged a new temperature record of 41.7 °C in Neißemünde for the third consecutive day, and the Czech Republic recorded its highest temperature of 41.9 °C. A study by the World Weather Attribution network concluded that such extreme heat and humidity would have been virtually impossible five decades ago and is now 200 times more likely than it was 20 years ago.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, with 150 million people currently exposed to extreme heat. He called the situation a “once-in-a-generation” event and urged European nations to adopt preparedness, prevention and stronger health-system responses.
The heat wave also sparked wildfires in eastern Germany, including in forests contaminated with World War II ammunition, complicating firefighting efforts. In Berlin, police deployed water cannons near the Brandenburg Gate to cool crowds of locals and tourists. Infrastructure suffered as highways cracked, rail operators advised against non-essential travel, and tram services in Leipzig were halted due to track damage.
Separately, lightning struck an amusement park in southern Sweden, injuring three adults, while Denmark recorded over 1,100 lightning strikes during the same period.