A severe early summer heatwave sweeping across Europe has left at least eight people dead and sparked widespread disruption, as temperatures soar to record levels in multiple countries.
In Spain, four people have died amid the extreme heat. Two perished in a wildfire in Catalonia, which destroyed several farms and scorched a 40km stretch of land before being brought under control. Additional heat-related fatalities were reported in the regions of Extremadura and Córdoba.
France confirmed two heat-linked deaths and reported that over 300 people had been hospitalised, prompting officials to issue red alerts in several central regions. Health and Families Minister Catherine Vautrin urged vigilance, warning that the consequences would be most severe for the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
Italy also recorded two fatalities, with men in their 60s dying on Sardinian beaches. The country issued red heat alerts for 18 cities, as forecasts predicted continued sweltering conditions. Meanwhile, Germany prepared for its hottest day of the year, with temperatures expected to hit 40°C in some areas.
Authorities across Europe are struggling to cope with the extreme conditions. In Switzerland, utility company Axpo was forced to shut down one reactor at the Beznau nuclear power plant and reduce output from another, due to overheated river water used for cooling.
Elsewhere, violent storms triggered by excessive atmospheric warming caused mudslides in the French Alps, disrupting rail services between Paris and Milan. Italy, France, and Germany have all issued warnings of heavy storms that could follow the intense heat.
Turkey, which earlier this week evacuated around 50,000 people due to multiple blazes, reported its fires were now largely under control.
According to scientists, sea surface warming and greenhouse gas emissions are driving earlier and more intense heatwaves, with some regions experiencing temperature spikes of up to 10°C. These conditions have contributed to the formation of a heat dome over much of Europe, trapping hot air and exacerbating the crisis.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, warned the world must brace for such extremes: “Extreme heat is testing our resilience and putting the health and lives of millions at risk. This is our new climate reality.”
Economically, the impact is being felt across sectors. Allianz Research estimates the heatwave could shave 0.5% off Europe’s GDP in 2025, likening the financial toll of each day above 32°C to a half-day of industrial strikes.
Businesses are already reacting. UK bakery chain Greggs warned its profits may dip below 2024 levels due to reduced footfall amid soaring temperatures. In Germany, schools closed early, residents sought relief in lakes and pools, and firefighters battled forest fires in Brandenburg and Saxony.
Landmarks were also affected. The Eiffel Tower’s top floor was shut to visitors, while Brussels’ Atomium closed early for a third time this week due to safety concerns.
Spain recorded its hottest June ever, while France endured its warmest June since 2003 — grim indicators of what may lie ahead this summer.
