Europe swelters under record heat as France reports 1,000 deaths and UK warns of more hot weather

A severe heatwave continues to sweep across large parts of Europe, breaking temperature records, overwhelming healthcare systems and disrupting everyday life as countries face deadly heat, water shortages, school closures and infrastructure problems.

The extreme conditions have pushed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in several nations, with little relief overnight. The World Health Organization (WHO) said more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21, according to AFP.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that “Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average.”

The intense heat has also led to unusual scenes shared on social media, including videos claiming people were able to cook eggs and bacon on pans placed under direct sunlight during the hottest periods.

France among worst-hit countries

France has been one of the hardest-hit nations during the latest extreme weather spell. AFP reported that the country experienced five days of unusually high temperatures in May, followed by an 11-day heatwave in June that has been linked to at least 1,000 deaths.

Health authorities warned that the toll could rise further as the impact of the heat continues.

Although temperatures have fallen from their peak, large parts of France remain around 30 degrees Celsius, with forecasters warning that another rise in temperatures is expected over the weekend and could continue into next week.

UK records hottest June temperatures

The United Kingdom saw some relief after last week’s record-breaking heat, but forecasters warned another hot spell may be approaching.

A provisional June temperature record of 37.7C was recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk, breaking the previous June record of 35.6C set in 1957 and matched in 1976.

Central Europe sees record-breaking heat

Countries in Central Europe also experienced unprecedented temperatures.

Slovakia recorded an all-time high of 41.3C in Kamenica nad Hronom near the Hungarian border, surpassing the previous record set just a day earlier.

Neighbouring Hungary also broke its national temperature record, with temperatures reaching 42C in Szecseny. The previous record of 41.9C had stood since 2007.

Croatia records hottest day in Split

In Croatia, the coastal city of Split recorded its hottest day since measurements began.

Temperatures reached 39.5C on Tuesday, beating the previous city record of 38.6C set in July 1950. The temperature was the highest recorded in Split since records began in 1948.

Germany, Poland and Czech Republic hit extreme temperatures

Several other European nations also recorded exceptional heat.

Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic experienced temperatures of 41.7C, 40.5C and 41.9C respectively, according to AFP.

In Berlin, police used water cannons for a second consecutive day to help residents cool off, including at the Olympia venue during a concert by singer Bruno Mars.

New monthly June temperature records were also reported in the UK and Switzerland.

Heat adds pressure on Ukraine’s frontlines

The heatwave has also affected Ukraine, where soldiers fighting on the frontlines are facing additional challenges.

Reuters reported that troops operating inside Soviet-era tanks have struggled with extreme temperatures trapped inside the armoured vehicles.

Why is Europe experiencing extreme heat?

Meteorologists have linked the prolonged heatwave to an “omega block” weather pattern, named after the Greek letter Ω.

The pattern occurs when a large high-pressure system becomes trapped between two low-pressure systems. The high-pressure area brings clear skies and dry conditions, allowing heat to build up and remain in place for extended periods.