Successive waves of high temperatures across Europe have caused 35,000 additional deaths, while experts warn that the toll could rise further.
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In Germany, Spain and France, the three largest countries on the continent, the number of additional deaths has exceeded 25,000, according to data collected from most of Europe.
The figures are expected to rise significantly once data for August have been fully processed and consolidated.
Since May, Western Europe has been hit by repeated spells of extreme heat, breaking historical records at hundreds of weather stations. France recorded its highest-ever national average daily temperature.
Germany also experienced new temperature records for three consecutive days in late June. During this period, 46 weather stations reported temperatures above 40°C, while in Spain temperatures remained above 42°C for an extended period.
Scientists stress that global warming, driven by human activity, is making these extreme events more frequent and intense. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had also previously warned about the situation, speaking of the approach of a Super El Niño.
“It is taking on gigantic proportions. The science leaves no room for doubt: the planet is entering territory never before explored. Temperatures continue to rise, and the world is in the danger zone because of extreme weather conditions,” he said.
The World Meteorological Organization explains that this cyclical climate phenomenon begins with the warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, near the coast of South America, and then affects the climate in various ways across much of the world.
According to the WMO, the phenomenon is expected to be very intense and, with a probability approaching 100 percent, will continue until February.
