Extreme heat hits Europe, more than 2,000 deaths in France and warnings of record temperatures

Europe is facing an extreme heatwave that has caused serious health consequences and numerous emergencies in several countries, while meteorologists warn of even higher temperatures in the coming days.

In France, health authorities reported 2,025 additional deaths during the last week of June, at the peak of the heatwave.

According to official data, deaths rose by around 29% compared with the previous week, with a significant increase among people over the age of 45.

The country also recorded the hottest day ever documented on average at the national level on June 24, when temperatures in Paris approached 41 degrees Celsius and half of the territory was placed on red alert.