A severe heatwave is hitting Europe, bringing serious consequences for public health and a series of emergency situations in several countries, while meteorologists warn that the coming days could bring even higher temperatures.
In France, health institutions reported 2,025 additional deaths during the last week of June, precisely during the peak period of the heatwave. Official data show that the number of deaths rose by about 29% compared with the previous week, with a notable increase among people over the age of 45.
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On June 24, France recorded on average its hottest day ever documented nationwide. In Paris, temperatures climbed close to 41 degrees Celsius, while half of the country was placed under red alert.
French authorities estimate that the toll could prove even higher, warning that the current figure may be an underestimate.
Other parts of Europe are experiencing the same situation. In Belgium, more than 1,200 additional deaths have been recorded during this heatwave, while in the Netherlands authorities report around 480 excess deaths, mainly among the elderly.
According to meteorologists, another heatwave is forming in the Atlantic and is expected to affect France, Spain and southern Britain over the weekend, with temperatures in some areas potentially rising to 40 degrees Celsius.
At the same time, preparedness measures have been strengthened in southern France and on the Iberian Peninsula because of the high risk of forest fires. Since the start of summer, thousands of fire outbreaks have been recorded, which in some regions have also forced mass evacuations.
Experts underline that climate change is significantly worsening this situation, as Europe is warming at twice the global average rate, bringing more heatwaves, more fires and growing pressure on water resources.
