Europe’s Heat Wave Turns Deadly in France, Spain, Britain Braces for Record Temperatures

A powerful heat wave intensified across western and central Europe on Monday, with France reporting its first five heat-related deaths, including the deaths of two children who were left in a hot car. In Paris, officials warned residents not to underestimate the danger, recalling the deadly summer of 2003, when about 15,000 people died in France during an extreme heat wave.

France’s weather service raised its red heat alert, the highest level, from 35 to 54 departments, more than half the country, a record. Temperatures in some areas were expected to top 40 degrees Celsius, reaching 43 degrees near Bordeaux, while nighttime lows were forecast to stay above 20 degrees. Schools were closed in 845 schools and 1,800 others sent pupils home early. The alert covered about 38.8 million people. The country is also seeing unusually hot nights, with some towns recording their warmest night ever and Paris logging its hottest June night on record at 24.2 degrees. Health minister Stéphanie Rist said it was still unclear when temperatures would fall, and forecasters said relief was unlikely before Friday.

In Spain, the heat was especially severe in the Basque Country, where San Sebastian was placed under a red alert and could hit more than 40 degrees, above the city’s historical June 22 average by more than double. Residents were told to close windows and prepare for heat lasting until Wednesday, including hot nights. In parts of Spain, temperatures overnight stayed above 25 degrees and even 30 in Almeria. Portugal is also sweltering, with the hottest day of the current wave expected on Tuesday.

Britain issued only its second-ever red heat warning, covering parts of central and southern England, including London and Birmingham, and Cardiff in Wales, for Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures could reach 39 degrees, with tropical nights above 20 degrees, and record June highs for England and Wales are likely to be broken. Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and the Balkans are also facing severe heat, while scientists say human-caused climate change is driving more frequent and intense heat waves across Europe.