Extreme Heatwave Kills 18 in France as Europe Breaks Temperature Records

An exceptional heatwave has killed at least 18 people in France and is driving record-breaking temperatures across much of Europe. The article, published June 23 at 08:45, says the continent is facing extreme weather that is intensifying concern about climate change.

In France, the dead included two small children, ages 2 and 4, who were found by their mother inside the family car in the southeast of the country, according to prosecutors in Carpentras. Three elderly people, aged 80 to 95, died in the Bordeaux area over the weekend from heat-related health problems. Another 13 people drowned on Sunday and Monday while trying to cool off, prompting Civil Protection spokesman Jerome Boulangé to urge the public to swim only at supervised beaches and pools. He said drowning deaths in France rose 172% during last year’s heatwaves.

Temperatures reached exceptional levels. Bordeaux recorded 41.9 degrees Celsius, a new high that beat its previous August record, while Poitiers reached 41.2 degrees, above a mark set in 1947. Paris was expected to hit 38.4 degrees, which could set a new June record. Schools in some areas were forced to close or adjust their hours.

The heat is also affecting Spain, Britain and Italy. San Sebastian in northern Spain was forecast to reach 40 degrees, more than double its historical June 22 average. Britain is facing a four-day heatwave, with temperatures possibly topping 39 degrees and breaking June records from 1957 and 1976. Italy declared red alerts in 12 cities, while Turin’s utility company added workers and generators to cope with localized power outages caused by grid strain.

Climate researcher Claire Barnes of Imperial College London said the current pattern is an “omega block,” which draws hot air from North Africa and the Sahara and moves slowly, leaving little wind relief. A World Meteorological Organization report released in April said Europe is warming faster than any other continent, more than twice the global average.