A heatwave is sweeping across Europe! Many countries are affected by the "heat dome" phenomenon, with record-breaking temperatures leading to multiple deaths. In France, at least 40 people have died amid the extreme heat, including the tragic death of two young children found dead in a car. The UK Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning – its highest level – with temperatures expected to reach 39°C in some areas within days.
According to French prosecutor Hélène Mourges, on June 22, in a small town in southeastern France, a mother found her two children – aged 2 and 4 – unconscious in her car. They later died. Temperatures in Carpentras exceeded 39°C that afternoon. The prosecutor said authorities are still investigating the cause of death, but the most likely cause at this stage is extreme heat.
In the Bordeaux region of France, local official Sophie Brocas said three elderly people aged between 80 and 95 died over the weekend from health issues related to the heatwave. Temperatures in the region rose to 41.9°C on Saturday.
According to preliminary data from the French weather service, Paris recorded a temperature of 38.4°C. The Eiffel Tower closed early at 4:00 pm on Tuesday.
The UK Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning for parts of southern England, covering a large area of central and southern England, including London and Birmingham. The alert indicates that lives are at risk, and major infrastructure such as roads and railways could be shut down. The Met Office forecasts that the maximum temperature on June 25 could reach 39°C, most likely in London or southeast England. At least 312 schools in England and Wales have been fully or partially closed this week.
In Spain, a spokesperson for the country's weather service said 13 out of 17 autonomous communities have been placed under orange alert, with the Basque Country upgraded to the highest level – red alert. Temperatures in the capital Madrid soared to 40°C on June 22.
The German weather service said that as temperatures continue to rise, the risk of forest fires is also increasing, particularly in the southern and eastern regions.
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European heatwave kills at least 18, including two young children, found dead in car in France
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