Europe Endures Extreme Heat as More Temperature Records Are Set

Heatwave Hits Europe, Affecting Millions Across Continent

A severe heatwave is expected to affect a significant portion of Europe, with at least 101 million people forecasted to face temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit). According to calculations by the AFP news agency, this includes 50 million in France and 18 million in Germany. The heatwave will impact nearly two-thirds of the European population, with maximum temperatures expected to surpass 30C (86F) for more than 380 million people.

The German weather service has reported that 94 million people were affected by temperatures exceeding 35C on Wednesday, while an Austrian NGO’s projections indicate a similar number. The heatwave is also expected to affect Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, as well as parts of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Croatia.

In mainland France, approximately 63 million people are forecasted to experience temperatures above 30C. The French weather agency has issued a red alert for extreme heat in three-quarters of the country, starting at midday on Thursday until midday Friday. In Brittany, a region in northwest France, widespread power outages have occurred due to equipment failure.

In Spain, estimates suggest that the heatwave could be linked to 212 deaths between Sunday and Wednesday. The MoMo monitoring system has reported an excess mortality of 98 deaths for the same period in 2025, during what was the hottest summer on record. Mainland Spain recorded its highest daily average temperatures in June since at least 1950, with Monday’s figure of 28.08C followed by Tuesday’s figure of 28.17C.

The heatwave has sparked concerns about public health and safety, particularly during “tropical nights” when sleep is challenging. Weather alerts have been issued for parts of northern Spain, including Cantabria and the Basque Country, where temperatures soared past 40C.

Source: Al Jazeera