At least eight people have died across Europe during an intense early-summer heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures triggering wildfires, hospitalisations, and power plant shutdowns across multiple countries.
Spain reported four fatalities linked to the extreme heat, including two people found dead near the city of Cosco in Catalonia after wildfires swept through the area. Two others died from heat-related causes in Extremadura and Córdoba, while a two-year-old child died in Tarragona after being left in a parked car.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency said June was the hottest on record, with average national temperatures reaching 23.6°C. Parts of the country recorded daily highs exceeding 40°C.
Catalonia was among the worst-hit regions. Authorities ordered 14,000 people to stay indoors as two fires ignited simultaneously in the Lleida province. The fires destroyed farmland across a 40-kilometre area before being contained. Officials cited the combination of heat, dry conditions and strong winds as critical factors in fuelling the blazes.
In France, two people died from heat-related illnesses, and over 300 others required hospital treatment. Environment Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher confirmed that this June was France’s second-hottest on record. Temperatures exceeded the seasonal average by 3.3°C.
The heatwave forced the closure of more than 2,000 schools and the upper levels of the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday. Red weather alerts remained in place in several regions.
Italy also reported fatalities. Two men over 60 died on beaches in Sardinia, according to the ANSA news agency. Authorities in Italy have also warned of the threat of severe thunderstorms developing due to atmospheric instability caused by the heat.
In Germany, the national weather service DWD issued heat warnings for the entire country. Forecasts predicted temperatures up to 40°C, marking the hottest day of the year. Train operator Deutsche Bahn warned of delays in western regions, where infrastructure was strained by the heat.
Forest fires broke out in Brandenburg and Saxony, with fire brigades deployed to contain them.
The heat has also impacted energy infrastructure. In Switzerland, power company Axpo shut down one reactor and reduced output at another at the Beznau Nuclear Power Plant. The decision was due to the rising temperature of river water used to cool the reactors.
Meteorologists attributed the conditions to a heat dome that has formed over Europe. Scientists said this dome, coupled with elevated sea temperatures, has pushed air temperatures up by as much as 10°C above seasonal norms.
The United Nations Environment Programme warned that such events are consistent with the effects of human-driven climate change.
“Extreme heat is testing our resilience and putting the health and lives of millions at risk,” said Inger Andersen, the agency’s executive director, in comments to Reuters. “Our new climate reality means we can no longer be surprised when temperatures reach record highs each year.”
Storms arriving from the Atlantic began moving into western Europe late Wednesday, offering temporary relief. Thunderstorms triggered mudslides in the French Alps, halting train services between Paris and Milan.
Authorities across Europe remain on alert as meteorologists monitor for further temperature surges and storm development in the coming days.
HT