An extreme heatwave has killed dozens of people across Europe, with France reporting at least 40 deaths after people went swimming in unauthorized areas to escape the heat. French Sports Minister said, “Too many people are trying to cool off in rivers and canals without necessarily taking the risks into account.”
The victims in France included children aged 2 and 4, who were found dead in the family car after being left there and dying from the heat. On Monday, France recorded its hottest June day and night on record, and more than half the country is now under a life-threatening red heat alert.
Spain is also being hit hard, with many cities expected to see temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities warned residents not to stay too long in unshaded areas. Spain’s weather service said June heatwaves are becoming more common, noting 10 extreme June heatwaves between 2000 and 2025, compared with just 2 in the previous 25-year period.
Ruben del Campo of Spain’s weather service said, “There is evidence that heatwaves are now occurring more frequently at the start of summer than in previous decades.” Italy has also issued red alerts in several cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin, and Venice.
