In brief
A severe heatwave that peaked on 24 June has pushed France into a record 2,025 excess deaths for a single week, a surge largely among people over 45. Heatwaves are part of Europe’s fastest‑warming trend, driving wildfires, floods and higher mortalities across the continent. Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain are also reporting significant excess deaths, while the UK braces for a new wave of scorching temperatures. Local governments warn of ongoing heat risks, urging residents to stay hydrated and heed alerts.
In a record‑setting summer heatwave, France has recorded a rise of 2,025 excess deaths in the week ending 28 June, a 29 % jump from the previous week. Public Health France says the figure is likely an under‑estimate, with mortality higher than the preliminary numbers suggest.
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist highlighted a “clear increase” of deaths among people over 45, while the Paris region alone saw a 62 % rise, spiking to nearly 41 °C on 24 June and prompting a red heat alert for half the country.
BBC Weather reports a high‑pressure system building from the Azores toward Portugal and Spain. By the end of the weekend, temperatures are forecast to climb across France and southern Britain.
Climate change is accelerating Europe’s warming, with the continent heating twice as fast as the global average according to the Copernicus climate service. The result is more intense summer heatwaves, pressure on water supplies, and an uptick in wildfires.
Belgium counted 1,222 excess deaths, a 39 % rise over usual levels, while the Netherlands documented about 480 excess deaths, most of them 80‑plus. Drowning deaths in France have also risen, with 72 fatalities recorded since 18 June.
Forest fire danger has surged: Météo-France issued red alerts for the south, noting almost 7,000 fires and 8,700 hectares burned since summer began. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported more than 3,000 people evacuated after a wildfire spread from Sainte‑Marie‑la‑Mer to Canet‑en‑Roussillon.
Portugal and Spain have declared states of alert, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 °C in some areas. The UK is also bracing for a third heatwave, with 30 °C temperatures forecasted.
As the heatwave persists, residents are urged to stay hydrated, limit exposure during peak heat, and follow official warnings. RTW News will continue to provide live updates as conditions develop.
