Key Takeaways:
- The WHO linked over 1,300 excess deaths to a record-breaking heatwave across Europe.
- France alone accounted for roughly 1,000 of the recorded fatalities between June 24th and 28th.
- Officials are warning that Europe is warming at twice the global average.
More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 as a record-breaking heatwave grips the continent. The Europe Heatwave Deaths toll continues to rise, the World Health Organization said Sunday, warning that climate change is making extreme heat more frequent and deadly.
The WHO said the prolonged heat has placed millions of people at risk while straining health services and infrastructure across Europe. The agency urged governments to strengthen heat preparedness and protect vulnerable populations as temperatures continue to rise.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Europe Heatwave Deaths count had surpassed 1,300, with the fatalities linked to high temperatures since June 21.
“Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ because European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures,” Tedros said in a post on X.
French health officials reported about 1,000 more deaths than expected between June 24 and June 28, highlighting the growing human toll of the extreme weather. Several other European countries also reported rising deaths while hospitals and emergency services warned of mounting pressure.
According to AFP estimates, at least 191 million people were expected to experience temperatures of at least 35 degrees Celsius on June 28. Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland were forecast to face some of the highest temperatures.
An analysis based on forecasts from the German Meteorological Service and population projections compiled by Austrian NGO Klimadashboard found that about 381 million people across Europe, excluding Türkiye, were expected to see temperatures above 30 C.
Heat reaches millions across continent
The heatwave has disrupted daily life across Europe, forcing authorities in several areas to close schools, issue public health alerts and respond to growing pressure on electricity grids.
Tedros said millions of people were living under extreme heat while hundreds had died during the latest weather event.
“Driven by climate change and global warming, the phenomenon of the ‘once-in-a-generation’ heatwave is now occurring nearly annually,” he said.
WHO calls for stronger preparedness
The WHO warned that Europe remains the world’s fastest-warming continent, with temperatures increasing at about twice the global average.
The agency said it is working with member states and partners to strengthen preparedness, improve prevention measures and reinforce health system responses to extreme heat.
Tedros urged European governments to implement comprehensive heat health action plans to reduce illness and Europe Heatwave Deaths linked to rising temperatures.
Public health experts have repeatedly warned that older adults, children, outdoor workers and people with chronic medical conditions face the greatest risk during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
The WHO said improving early warning systems, expanding access to cooling spaces and increasing public awareness are among the measures that can reduce the health impacts of future heatwaves.
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