A relentless heatwave sweeping across Europe has claimed at least 18 lives in France, including two young children who were found unconscious inside a parked car, as record-breaking temperatures continue to scorch several countries.
Authorities in France reported that the two children, aged two and four, were discovered by their mother inside the family vehicle outside their home in Carpentras, southeastern France. Despite emergency efforts, first responders were unable to revive them.
The extreme weather has forced schools across parts of France to close or adjust their schedules as temperatures soared to unprecedented levels. In Bordeaux, located in the country’s famous wine-producing region, temperatures hit 41.9°C, breaking a record set just last year.
Meanwhile, the city of Poitiers recorded 41.2°C, surpassing a temperature record that had stood since 1947. Paris was also on track to register its hottest June day on record, with temperatures approaching 38.4°C.
The heatwave has not been limited to France. In Spain, temperatures in the usually cooler northern city of San Sebastian were forecast to reach 40°C — more than double the historical average for June 22.
Scientists have warned that Europe is warming faster than any other continent. A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization found that the continent is heating up at more than twice the global average rate.
Beyond the direct impact of the heat, authorities are also reporting a rise in secondary fatalities. Three elderly residents aged between 80 and 95 died in the Bordeaux region over the weekend due to heat-related health complications.
French authorities further revealed that 13 people drowned between Sunday and Monday, prompting renewed warnings for the public to only swim in supervised areas. Last year, drowning deaths surged dramatically during periods of extreme heat as people sought relief from soaring temperatures.
Meteorologists explained that the current heatwave is being driven by an “Omega Block” weather pattern, named after its resemblance to the Greek letter Omega. The phenomenon traps a large mass of hot air over Europe while limiting wind and rainfall.
According to climate experts, the system is pulling scorching air northward from the Sahara Desert, resulting in prolonged and intense heat with little opportunity for cooling conditions.
Britain is also bracing for extreme temperatures, with the Met Office warning that parts of the country could exceed 39°C this week. If reached, it would shatter the UK’s longstanding June temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1957 and matched in 1976.
Elsewhere, Italy has issued red heatwave alerts across 12 cities, while utility providers are struggling to cope with increased electricity demand as residents rely heavily on air-conditioning.
The intense heat is also taking a toll on wildlife. Animal rescue centres in Belgium reported a surge in birds suffering from heat stress, with many young birds jumping from nests built under rooftops where temperatures can reportedly exceed 60°C.
Climate scientists say rising global temperatures are making heatwaves more frequent, longer-lasting and more severe, increasing risks to public health, infrastructure and ecosystems across Europe.
