The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe must prepare for increasingly severe summers as the continent experiences one of its hottest Junes on record, with soaring temperatures contributing to a rise in heat-related deaths across several countries.
Large parts of Western, Central and Southern Europe, along with the Balkans, have been affected by an intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching record levels in multiple locations. The World Meteorological Organization expects the extreme heat to continue spreading across much of the region.
WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Henri Kluge said the current heatwave should be viewed as a warning of what lies ahead.
“This heatwave is a dress rehearsal,” Kluge said, noting that Europe is warming at more than twice the global average. He warned that heatwaves are no longer isolated weather events but are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting and increasingly intense.
France has reported more than 1,000 deaths since June 24 that authorities have linked to the extreme heat, with most victims aged 65 and older. Emergency services have also experienced a sharp increase in demand, with emergency calls rising by as much as 50 percent in some cities.
Spain has also recorded a significant impact from the prolonged heat. According to the country’s mortality monitoring system, an estimated 892 excess deaths associated with high temperatures occurred during June.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to extreme heat poses serious risks, particularly for older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke can develop rapidly during sustained periods of high temperatures.
Despite the growing threat, the WHO said preventive measures have already saved thousands of lives across Europe.
According to estimates cited by the organization, heat-related deaths in Europe during 2023 would have been about 80 percent higher without existing adaptation measures. Among people aged 80 and above, fatalities could have doubled in the absence of protective actions.
Kluge emphasized the importance of expanding heat-health action plans, early warning systems, cooling centres and targeted assistance for vulnerable populations.
“Heat-health action plans, early warnings, cooling spaces and outreach to vulnerable people are saving lives,” he said, urging governments across Europe to strengthen their preparedness as climate conditions continue to change.
Scientists have repeatedly linked the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to climate change. Rising global temperatures are expected to make extreme heat events more common, placing greater pressure on healthcare systems, emergency services and energy infrastructure.
As Europe enters the peak summer season, health authorities are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day and regularly check on elderly relatives and vulnerable neighbours while the extreme temperatures persist.
