1,000 dead due to severe heat in France:Record temperatures scorch 16 nations including Germany, Spain and Britain

Europe is currently in the grip of a record-breaking heatwave. In France, around 1,000 additional deaths have been recorded due to extreme heat. The public health agency said on Sunday that these deaths occurred between 24 and 27 June. ‘Excess deaths’ refers to fatalities above the average recorded in previous years, meaning around 1,000 more people have died during this period than would normally be expected. However, authorities have not released comparable baseline figures for previous years or a confirmed total for the current period. Officials said 85% of those who died were elderly. Most deaths occurred at home, particularly in and around Paris and its surrounding regions, where cases were most concentrated. Meanwhile, temperatures have broken decades-old records across 16 countries, including Germany, Spain, Britain, Denmark, Italy and Switzerland. According to estimates by the news agency AFP, around 191 million people across Europe experienced temperatures of 35°C or higher on Sunday. In some areas, roads have melted, schools have been closed, and severe wildfires have broken out in forests. Scientists say Europe is warming faster than the global average, warning that such heatwaves are likely to become more frequent and longer-lasting in the future. Heat situation in European countries Britain: 50-year-old heat record broken 3 times in June A ‘Red Warning’ has been issued in Britain for three consecutive days for the first time in the country’s history, as an unprecedented heatwave grips the nation. Southern England recorded temperatures of up to 36.4°C, marking a new June record, surpassing the country’s previous June high of 35.6°C, which has already been broken over consecutive days this week. Britain’s highest-ever temperature stands at 40.3°C, recorded in July 2022, and forecasters say it could be challenged again this year. Electricity demand has surged to its highest level in 45 years, while hospitals have reported a sharp rise in cases of heatstroke, dehydration and respiratory problems, prompting emergency measures in several major facilities. More than 1,000 schools have been closed, with concrete and older buildings overheating to the point where teaching has become unsafe. Rail infrastructure has also been affected, with high temperatures causing rail tracks to expand and increasing the risk of deformation. A strict speed limit of 60 mph has been imposed on train services as a precaution. Meanwhile, hosepipe bans have been introduced in several areas, restricting the use of water for gardening and car washing amid the ongoing heatwave. Spain: Highest heat in Europe, mercury crosses 45°C Spain is experiencing some of the most intense heat in Europe, with temperatures soaring to 45.1°C in Andújar. In the northern city of Bilbao, the mercury reached 42.7°C, setting an all-time June record. Over the past four days, more than 200 people have died in the country due to extreme heat. Severe drought conditions and prolonged high temperatures have also triggered widespread wildfires across forested areas. Firefighters are working around the clock to contain the blazes, while several towns have been evacuated as a precaution. Germany: 41.5°C temperature – the hottest in history On Saturday, temperatures reached 41.5°C in Drahnsdorf in eastern Germany, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in the country’s history. Meanwhile, in the city of Kitzingen, nighttime temperatures did not fall below 29.4°C, making it the hottest night since records began around 150 years ago. The extreme heat has caused sections of highway roads to melt and deteriorate, forcing closures in several areas. A number of sports events, music festivals and concerts across Germany have also been cancelled or postponed on safety grounds. Denmark: Temperature reaches 37°C in cold country Denmark, traditionally known for its cold climate, is experiencing unprecedented heat, with temperatures reaching 37°C on Saturday, the highest recorded since measurements began in 1874. The previous national record was 36.4°C, set in August 1975. The extreme temperatures have caused road surfaces in parts of the country to soften, prompting restrictions on heavy vehicle movement to prevent further damage. Meanwhile, large numbers of residents and tourists have flocked to Copenhagen’s Amager Beach and other coastal areas in an attempt to escape the heat. However, overcrowding has left little space even along the shoreline as people seek relief from the soaring temperatures. France: Hottest day in history, temperature reaches 44.3°C In the French town of Pissos, temperatures reached 44.3°C, while the national average rose above 30°C, marking one of the hottest days on record in France. Night-time temperatures also remained unusually high, not falling below an average of 22°C. The extreme heat disrupted rail services as track expansion forced train suspensions, while around 50,000 homes were left without electricity following a collapse in the power grid. Authorities have closed more than 1,350 schools in response to the conditions. During the annual ‘Fête de la Musique’ festival, the government also imposed restrictions, including a ban on drinking alcohol in public places, amid the ongoing heatwave. Italy: Red alert in 18 cities, threat of drought in Po River Italy is experiencing intensifying heat, with the government issuing its highest red heat alert across 18 cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence and Turin. The extreme temperatures have caused water levels in the River Po, Italy’s longest river, to drop sharply, allowing seawater to flow inland and raising concerns over agriculture and drinking water supplies. Authorities have advised residents in several regions to avoid going outdoors during the hottest part of the day, while working hours have also been adjusted in response to the ongoing heatwave. Czech Republic: Historic mark of 40°C crossed The Czech Republic has also been hit by the ongoing heatwave, with temperatures reaching 40.6°C in Doksany on Saturday. This exceeds the country’s previous all-time high of 40.4°C, recorded nearly 14 years ago on 20 August 2012 in Dobřichovice. The national meteorological service has issued its highest-level red alert across the country, advising residents to avoid going outdoors during the afternoon hours amid the extreme heat conditions.

Switzerland: Hottest June Day Recorded In Basel, Switzerland, temperatures reached 38.8°C, marking the highest June temperature on record in the country’s history. The intense heat has accelerated glacier melt across the region, with scientists warning that ice loss has begun earlier than usual this year, raising further concerns over the impact of the ongoing heatwave. Poland: 100-year-old temperature record likely to be broken Poland is also experiencing record-breaking heat, with the meteorological service forecasting temperatures exceeding 40°C in several parts of the country. If this occurs, it would surpass the national record of 40.2°C set in 1921. Authorities have issued health warnings and advised people to avoid going outdoors during the afternoon. Cooling centres have been opened in several cities to support vulnerable groups. Portugal: Temperatures above 40°C, heightened forest fire risk In Portugal, temperatures have remained above 40°C, prompting red alerts across multiple regions. Prolonged heat and drought conditions have significantly increased the risk of wildfires. Fire services have been placed on high alert, while residents have been urged to avoid activities that could ignite fires, including barbecues and open flames in forested areas. Why 40°C is often manageable in India but a crisis in Europe A temperature of around 40°C, while considered extreme, is often treated as part of the peak summer season in India, whereas similar conditions in Europe can trigger emergency alerts, transport disruptions and public health warnings. This difference is driven by a combination of geography, infrastructure and physiological adaptation. i. Infrastructure differences In much of Europe, buildings are designed primarily to retain heat during cold winters. As a result, during heatwaves, homes and public buildings can trap warm air, effectively turning interiors into heat-retaining structures. In contrast, many traditional and modern Indian buildings are designed with ventilation in mind, featuring higher ceilings, open layouts and airflow-oriented construction that helps dissipate heat more effectively. ii. Human body’s adaptation Populations in hotter climates, such as India, are generally more acclimatised to sustained high temperatures. The body’s thermoregulation system adapts over time, with efficient sweating helping to cool the body through evaporation. In contrast, populations in cooler European climates are less acclimatised to extreme heat, making sudden temperature spikes more physically stressful and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration. iii. Role of humidity Humidity plays a crucial role in how heat is experienced. In many parts of India during peak summer, dry conditions allow sweat to evaporate more quickly, which helps regulate body temperature. In several European heatwaves, higher humidity levels reduce the rate of evaporation, preventing the body from cooling efficiently. As a result, temperatures around 40°C can feel significantly higher, often exceeding a “feels like” temperature of 45°C or more. ​