Europe’s deadly heatwave continued its relentless advance eastward on Sunday, leaving hundreds of millions sweltering across the continent even after brief overnight storms brought passing relief to some regions, notably France and Belgium.
Central and Eastern Europe remained under the grip of extreme heat, with the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland experiencing soaring temperatures and shattered records. According to AFP estimates, at least 191 million Europeans were expected to endure daytime highs above 35°C.
The World Health Organization reported more than 1,300 excess deaths across Europe since June 21. Altogether, approximately 381 million people were forecast to see temperatures exceed 30°C, based on data from the German Meteorological Service and population analysis.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group stated this is the most severe heatwave ever recorded in Europe, and such an event would have been virtually impossible in June without the influence of climate change.
All-time temperature records have tumbled in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, as well as June records in the UK and Switzerland.
In one sign of the extreme conditions, Formula One fans shielded themselves from the blazing sun with umbrellas during practice sessions at Austria’s Red Bull Ring ahead of the Grand Prix.
Right now, 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, and grids are buckling, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X (formerly Twitter).
Although storms provided some respite overnight particularly in France after days of temperatures near 40°C—they also brought devastation. Local media reported that a man died near Brussels when a tree fell on his car. In France, the highest-level heat alerts were expected to ease by Sunday evening, but millions continued to endure oppressive conditions.
Haunted by memories of the 2003 heatwave, which killed around 15,000 people, French authorities remained wary of a rising death toll. The national health agency reported around 1,000 more deaths than expected since June 24, warning that the number could increase, especially among those aged 65 and older.
Nevertheless, Health Minister Stephanie Rist noted that France was likely to avoid a repeat of 2003’s devastation thanks to improved preparedness in elderly care homes. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez emphasized, This is not a fiasco we were prepared, rejecting criticisms of the government’s response.
Record-breaking temperatures continued on Sunday: Poland saw a new high of 40.5°C in Słubice, Germany reached 41.7°C at Coschen, and the Czech Republic recorded 41.1°C in Doksany, breaking previous records for the second consecutive day.
The ongoing heat is affecting not just people, but ecosystems as well. Gregory Beaugrand, research director at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research, explained that warming seas are disrupting marine food chains, as cold-water fish disappear from the Channel.
French paleoclimatologist Jean Jouzel cautioned in the Tribune newspaper that political attention may quickly wane once the heatwave subsides, urging the public to take scientific warnings seriously: People are closing their eyes—but it is extremely serious.
Source: AFP
