Europe Heatwave: Record Temperatures, Thousands of Excess Deaths
A severe heatwave swept across Europe in late June, breaking temperature records and causing thousands of excess deaths, according to official data. The event, which affected hundreds of millions of people, has been described by meteorologists as historic, though comparisons to the deadly 2003 heatwave require careful nuance.
The heatwave originated from a 'heat dome' that trapped hot air from North Africa over the Iberian Peninsula before spreading to the United Kingdom and central Europe. Temperatures exceeded 35°C for more than two-thirds of Europe's population — approximately 410 million people — according to an AFP analysis.
France recorded 2,025 additional deaths during the week starting June 22 compared to the previous week, a 29.1% rise. Belgium reported 1,222 excess deaths (39% above normal) between June 18 and 29. Spain attributed at least 1,028 deaths to heat-related causes in June, double the figure from the same month in the previous year.
The World Meteorological Organisation noted that while the June heatwave was shorter than the 2003 event, its intensity was remarkable. France's weather service said temperatures above 40°C were recorded 114 times from June 17 to 29, surpassing the 87 instances in August 2003. Germany's weather service called it 'historic' for its early timing and duration.
Climate scientists from the World Weather Attribution network concluded that such a heatwave would have been 'virtually impossible' without human-induced climate change, estimating that a similar event in 2003 would have been about 2°C cooler. However, the UK Met Office cautioned that direct comparisons between heatwaves are complex due to differing characteristics.
The heatwave forced school closures, disrupted transport, and raised concerns about infrastructure resilience. As temperatures rise again in early July, authorities urge preparedness for extreme weather events, which are expected to become more frequent under a warming climate.
