Extreme Heat Claims 1,300 Lives Across Europe As WHO Warns Of Further Rise

Europe’s record-breaking heatwave has claimed more than 1,300 lives since last week, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) warning that soaring temperatures fuelled by climate change were becoming increasingly frequent and deadly across the continent.

The severe heatwave has disrupted public services and pushed several countries to record their hottest days in decades

The deaths, recorded since June 21, were announced by WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, who described extreme heat as a “silent killer” and cautioned that Europe was ill-prepared for the unprecedented temperatures.

“Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ — and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures,” Tedros said, noting that Europe was warming at twice the global average.

He urged governments to strengthen heat-health action plans to safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly older people and those with underlying health conditions.

The intense heatwave, which first engulfed Western Europe, has since spread eastward, leaving a trail of record-breaking temperatures and widespread disruption.

Germany recorded its hottest day for the third consecutive time on Sunday, with temperatures soaring to 41.7 degrees Celsius in Coschen near the Polish border, according to preliminary data from the country’s meteorological service.

The country had earlier registered 41.3 degrees Celsius near Saarbrücken, prompting authorities to issue extreme heat warnings across large parts of the nation. Forecasters warned that temperatures could climb as high as 42 degrees Celsius in some areas, while residents were urged to conserve water as demand surged.

Neighbouring Poland also broke its national temperature record after thermometers hit 40.5 degrees Celsius in the western town of Słubice.

In the Czech Republic, temperatures reached 41.1 degrees Celsius in Doksany, north of Prague, making it one of the country’s hottest days on record.

Denmark registered its warmest day since weather records began in 1874, recording 36.6 degrees Celsius north of Odense, while Slovakia experienced its hottest night ever, with overnight temperatures remaining above 26.3 degrees Celsius.

France, Britain, Switzerland and Germany had already endured temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius earlier in June.

French authorities reported around 1,000 excess deaths since Wednesday, with the majority involving people aged 65 and above. The country’s health ministry also noted an increase in deaths occurring at home during the heatwave.

Local media reported dozens of heat-related fatalities in France, while wildfires intensified compared to the same period last year.

The extreme weather has also disrupted transport systems, schools and public events across Europe.

Germany’s national rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, allowed passengers to cancel long-distance train bookings without penalty amid concerns that the intense heat could damage railway infrastructure.

A section of the A7 motorway near Hamburg was temporarily shut after the road surface cracked under the scorching temperatures.

In France, high temperatures disrupted rail services, affected electricity generation and forced authorities to suspend some school activities and outdoor events.

Italy placed 18 cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence and Bologna, under red heat alerts as temperatures approached 39 degrees Celsius.

Several major public events were adjusted to minimise health risks. The Milan Pride march was delayed to avoid the hottest hours of the day, while organisers of the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt shortened sections of the cycling and running courses due to the extreme conditions.

The United Kingdom also recorded heat-related fatalities, with several people drowning while attempting to cool off in open water.

The latest incidents raised the number of water-related deaths during the current heatwave to six, following repeated warnings from authorities about the dangers of swimming in rivers, lakes and reservoirs during periods of extreme heat.

Scientists say the severity of the heatwave bears the unmistakable fingerprints of human-induced climate change, arguing that such temperatures would have been significantly less likely just two decades ago.

Researchers attribute the prolonged heat to an atmospheric phenomenon known as an “omega block,” which traps hot air over affected regions for extended periods.

Beyond the immediate loss of life, the heat has strained hospitals, damaged infrastructure, disrupted farming activities and forced some cultural landmarks and schools to reduce operating hours or close temporarily.

Experts also noted that many European homes were designed to retain warmth during cold winters rather than provide cooling during prolonged heat, leaving millions more vulnerable during extreme weather events.

Although temperatures have begun easing in parts of Western Europe, forecasters warned that Central and Eastern Europe could continue to experience dangerous heat before thunderstorms bring relief.

Authorities across the continent have continued to urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and regularly check on elderly neighbours, children and other vulnerable members of the community.