A severe heatwave across Europe has been linked to more than 250 deaths as record temperatures strain hospitals, schools, transport systems and emergency crews.
The toll includes heat-attributable deaths estimated by Spain’s public health monitoring system, drowning deaths in France and other reported fatalities tied to the extreme weather.
Officials warn that the final number may change because heat-related deaths are often confirmed through later statistical analysis, not immediate death certificates.
Spain has recorded one of the heaviest early tolls. The country’s MoMo mortality monitoring system, run by the Carlos III Health Institute, estimated 212 deaths attributable to high temperatures during the heatwave.
The MoMo system uses death records, population data and weather data to estimate deaths linked to excess heat or cold.
Spanish weather agency AEMET described the event as an extraordinary heatwave. Reports citing AEMET said June 23 was Spain’s hottest June day since at least 1950, based on provisional national temperature data.
France has also been hit hard. Météo-France said the country reached record national heat levels this week, while Pissos in southwestern France recorded 44.3C.
French officials also reported a sharp rise in drownings as people tried to cool off in rivers, lakes and unsupervised swimming areas.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said at least 40 people had drowned since June 18. Later reports placed the drowning toll at 48 or higher as the heat continued.
Hospitals in France reported rising emergency visits for dehydration, hyperthermia and other heat-related illnesses. Paris officials also warned of pressure on emergency services.
In the United Kingdom, the Met Office issued a rare red warning for extreme heat across parts of England and Wales.
The Met Office warning said temperatures in the shade could exceed 36C on Friday, with some places possibly reaching 38C.
The warning said the heat and humidity could cause serious illness or danger to life, even beyond groups normally considered most vulnerable.
The UK also provisionally broke its June temperature record this week, with reports of 36.7C recorded in Somerset.
The UK Health Security Agency extended a red heat-health alert for the East of England, East Midlands, London, South East, South West and West Midlands.
The UKHSA dashboard said alerts were in place until 11 p.m. Friday, June 26.
The agency said the heat-health alert system is meant to warn health services, responders and government departments when temperatures may affect public health.
Officials urged people to drink water, avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, keep homes cool and check on older people, children and those with health conditions.
The heatwave has been driven by a blocking weather pattern that trapped hot air over much of western Europe.
High humidity and warm nights have made the conditions more dangerous because people get less chance to cool down after sunset.
Extreme heat can worsen heart, lung and kidney problems. It can also trigger dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially in older adults, outdoor workers and people without access to cooling.
A rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution found that the current western Europe heatwave would have been nearly impossible without human-caused climate change, according to The Associated Press.
The analysis found that Europe is facing stronger heat stress as temperatures rise and humidity makes it harder for the body to cool itself.
For now, officials across Europe are focused on emergency response, cooling centers, school closures, water safety warnings and protecting vulnerable residents as the heat continues.