Deadly heatwave grips Europe as officials urge protection

Demand for air conditioning surged across France, Spain and Italy, with Asian manufacturers reporting strong sales.

Large parts of Western Europe remained under extreme heat on Thursday, with authorities warning residents to protect themselves as soaring temperatures claimed dozens of lives, disrupted power supplies and forced schools and cultural landmarks to close.

Paris endured another sweltering day after recording a June high of 40.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Britain also logged its hottest June temperature at 36.1 degrees Celsius in southern England, as a heat dome settled over much of the continent.

French officials reported at least 48 drowning deaths as people sought relief in rivers and canals, while two young children died in a car. Emmanuel Gregoire, the mayor of Paris, urged residents to slow down and take precautions. “It’s people aged between 50 and 70 who are generally in good health but think this is just a normal period,” he said. “Really, protect yourselves.”

Spain reported two elderly deaths from heatstroke earlier in the week, while Italy’s health minister convened an emergency meeting after five heat-related fatalities were recorded on Wednesday, including farmers, a cemetery worker, a laborer in Padua and a homeless man in Naples.

The heatwave is being driven by an atmospheric phenomenon known as an Omega block, which traps hot air over regions for extended periods. Temperatures have risen as much as 18 degrees Celsius above normal. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, making prolonged heat episodes increasingly likely.

Demand for air conditioning surged across France, Spain and Italy, with Asian manufacturers reporting strong sales. France’s measures introduced after the deadly 2003 heatwave included regular checks on the elderly and access to air-conditioned rooms in retirement homes.

Germany, Austria and Italy braced for worsening conditions heading into the weekend. Germany’s meteorological service issued extreme heat warnings, with temperatures expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius. Rail operator Deutsche Bahn offered passengers the option to cancel journeys. Austria issued a red heat warning for Vienna, where temperatures could hit 40 degrees Celsius. Italy forecast highs of 40 degrees Celsius across northern and central regions, with humidity driving perceived temperatures even higher.

France’s weather agency said relief was expected from Friday as temperatures gradually decline. Until then, officials across Europe continue to urge residents to take precautions, as the deadly heatwave stretches emergency services and highlights the growing risks of climate extremes.