Europe’s deadly heatwave: At least 18 killed in France as record temperatures grip continent

A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has turned deadly, with at least 18 people reported dead in France as temperatures reached record levels across several countries.

Among the victims were two young children, aged two and four, who were found unconscious inside a car parked outside their home in southeastern France. Authorities said the extreme heat played a role in the tragedy.

The heatwave has also been linked to the deaths of three elderly people in the Bordeaux region. Local official Sophie Brocas said the victims, aged between 80 and 95, suffered health complications caused by the intense temperatures.

The latest extreme weather event comes less than a month after a record-breaking May heatwave across Europe. Forecasts indicate that temperatures are expected to rise further in the coming days.

Record temperatures hit France and Spain

Several French cities recorded historic temperatures on Monday. Bordeaux, a major wine-producing region, reached 41.9°C, breaking its previous August record. Poitiers also saw temperatures climb to 41.2°C, surpassing a record that had remained unbeaten since 1947.

The heatwave has also spread into northern Spain, with San Sebastian — a city usually known for a cooler climate — expected to approach 40°C. The temperature was more than double the city’s historical June average.

A report by the World Meteorological Organization highlighted that Europe is warming at more than twice the global average rate, making extreme weather events increasingly frequent and intense.

Rising drowning risks as people seek relief

As people rushed to swimming spots and water bodies to escape the heat, French authorities warned about rising safety risks.

Thirteen people were reported drowned between Sunday and Monday.

“Swim only in places that are supervised,” French Civil Safety spokesperson Jerome Boulanger warned.

Officials said drowning incidents increased sharply during previous heatwaves, with France recording a 172% rise last year as more people entered rivers, lakes and seas to cool down.

What is causing the extreme heat?

Experts say the current heatwave is being driven by an atmospheric pattern known as an “Omega block”, named because of the shape it creates in weather systems.

Clair Barnes, a research associate in extreme weather and climate at Imperial College London, explained that the pattern is pulling hot air from North Africa and the Sahara region into Europe.

“It’s drawing warm air up from North Africa, from the Sahara, and that’s why we have this really intense heat,” Barnes said, adding that the system is slow-moving and provides little relief from wind or cooler air.

She warned that climate change is increasing the intensity of both heatwaves and storms, contributing to higher temperatures and more extreme rainfall events.

UK prepares for possible record June heat

The heatwave is expected to intensify in the United Kingdom later this week, with the Met Office warning temperatures could cross 39°C in some areas.

If forecasts hold, Britain could challenge its June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1957 and matched in 1976.

The country had already experienced its hottest May on record just weeks earlier.

In London, resident Lewis Jennings reflected public concern over the rising temperatures, saying, “Thirty-six degrees is going to be disgusting.”

Meanwhile, Paris was on track for its hottest June day, with temperatures reaching 38.4°C, according to preliminary data from Meteo-France.

Spain’s weather agency AEMET said temperatures across parts of the country were between 5°C and 10°C above normal for this time of year, with some northern areas experiencing even greater deviations.

Heatwave impacts Italy and Belgium

Italy issued red heat alerts for 12 cities as authorities prepared for continued extreme temperatures.

In Turin, energy company Iren increased worker shifts and deployed additional generators after heat-related pressure on the electricity network caused sporadic power issues.

The heat has also affected wildlife in Belgium, where animal rescue centres reported a rise in distressed birds, including swifts, swallows, sparrows and starlings.

Romaine de Jaegere, founder of a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Temploux, said rooftop temperatures can rise to 50°C or even 60°C, forcing birds to leave their nests to escape the deadly heat.

The shelter received around 150 animals in just three days as the heatwave continued to affect large parts of Europe.