France records 2,025 excess deaths at peak of heatwave as Europe braces for more extreme weather
✓BBC Weather says a large area of high pressure is currently building from the Azores towards Portugal and Spain and that by the weekend, heat is forecast to climb across France and southern Britain.
And as Europe braces for sweltering conditions, millions of Americans celebrating the July Fourth holiday weekend are already being affected by prolonged extreme heat and high humidity in parts of the central and eastern US.
Climate change is driving up temperatures around the world - but particularly in Europe. It is the fastest warming continent, heating up twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service.
This is causing increased summer heatwaves, greater pressure on Europe's water supply, and more intense wildfires.
This summer's record-breaking temperatures have already proved particularly deadly.
Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths during the heatwave – 39% more than usual – with almost half being people aged 85 and over.
The country's health ministry said the number of deaths during a heatwave was "unprecedented".
In France, the number of deaths recorded between 22 and 28 June increased by 2,025 - nearly 30%, the Public Health France agency announced on Friday. Deaths rose by 62% in the Paris region alone.
The French health ministry said the figure was likely an "underestimate" and mortality would "therefore be higher than these initial figures".
Drowning deaths soared during the heatwave, with French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez saying on Saturday that 72 people had died by drowning since 18 June.
Meanwhile, unprecedented heat in the Netherlands last week led to about 480 excess deaths, Dutch authorities said on Thursday - most of whom were aged 80 and older.
Temperatures reached almost 40C in parts of the country, with most of the deaths reported in the south and east of the Netherlands where temperatures were highest.
While the Netherlands is expecting a cooler week ahead, hot weather is predicted again over the weekend elsewhere.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 40C in the south of France, with peaks of 36C to 37C expected around Bordeaux, Toulouse and Agen.
Météo-France has issued red alerts for Friday and Saturday for forest fires in the southern part of the country, warning that weather conditions meant the risk of an outbreak was "very high" compared to summer norms.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said nearly 7,000 fires had broken out since the start of the summer season, with about 8,700 hectares burned so far.
Nearly 3,000 people were evacuated after a wildfire ignited in the town of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and spread to Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday.
Read the full story at The Guardian ↗ · BBC ↗
A major heatwave swept across Europe in late June, killing significantly more people than usual in several countries. France's health agency confirmed 2,025 excess deaths in the week of 22–28 June, with deaths rising 62% in the Paris region alone; the ministry noted this figure may underestimate total mortality. Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths during the same period, mostly among people aged 85 and over, which the health ministry called unprecedented. The Netherlands reported approximately 480 excess deaths as temperatures approached 40°C, concentrated in the south and east. Drowning incidents also increased, with 72 deaths recorded in France since 18 June. Weather forecasts indicate another heat surge this weekend, with temperatures predicted to reach 40°C in southern France. Météo-France has issued red alerts for wildfire risk in the south, where nearly 7,000 fires have broken out since summer began. Climate monitoring services attribute Europe's vulnerability to rapid warming—the continent is heating twice as fast as the global average—which intensifies heatwaves and associated risks.
Read the full story at The Guardian ↗ · BBC ↗
BBC Weather says a large area of high pressure is currently building from the Azores towards Portugal and Spain and that by the weekend, heat is forecast to climb across France and southern Britain.
And as Europe braces for sweltering conditions, millions of Americans celebrating the July Fourth holiday weekend are already being affected by prolonged extreme heat and high humidity in parts of the central and eastern US.
Climate change is driving up temperatures around the world - but particularly in Europe. It is the fastest warming continent, heating up twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service.
This is causing increased summer heatwaves, greater pressure on Europe's water supply, and more intense wildfires.
This summer's record-breaking temperatures have already proved particularly deadly.
Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths during the heatwave – 39% more than usual – with almost half being people aged 85 and over.
The country's health ministry said the number of deaths during a heatwave was "unprecedented".
In France, the number of deaths recorded between 22 and 28 June increased by 2,025 - nearly 30%, the Public Health France agency announced on Friday. Deaths rose by 62% in the Paris region alone.
The French health ministry said the figure was likely an "underestimate" and mortality would "therefore be higher than these initial figures".
Drowning deaths soared during the heatwave, with French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez saying on Saturday that 72 people had died by drowning since 18 June.
Meanwhile, unprecedented heat in the Netherlands last week led to about 480 excess deaths, Dutch authorities said on Thursday - most of whom were aged 80 and older.
Temperatures reached almost 40C in parts of the country, with most of the deaths reported in the south and east of the Netherlands where temperatures were highest.
While the Netherlands is expecting a cooler week ahead, hot weather is predicted again over the weekend elsewhere.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 40C in the south of France, with peaks of 36C to 37C expected around Bordeaux, Toulouse and Agen.
Météo-France has issued red alerts for Friday and Saturday for forest fires in the southern part of the country, warning that weather conditions meant the risk of an outbreak was "very high" compared to summer norms.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said nearly 7,000 fires had broken out since the start of the summer season, with about 8,700 hectares burned so far.
Nearly 3,000 people were evacuated after a wildfire ignited in the town of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and spread to Canet-en-Roussillon on Thursday.
Read the full story at The Guardian ↗ · BBC ↗
France recorded 2,025 excess deaths between 22 and 28 June, representing a nearly 30% increase above normal mortality Deaths in the Paris region rose 62% during the same period Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths during the heatwave, with nearly half among people aged 85 and over The Netherlands recorded approximately 480 excess deaths as temperatures reached nearly 40°C 72 people died by drowning in France since 18 June Temperatures are forecast to reach 40°C in southern France this weekend Nearly 7,000 fires have broken out in France since the start of summer, burning approximately 8,700 hectares Europe is heating twice as fast as the global average These deaths and heatwaves represent an unprecedented threat to public health in Europe
Read the full story at The Guardian ↗ · BBC ↗
- France recorded 2,025 excess deaths (nearly 30% above normal) during a heatwave between 22–28 June; Belgium saw 1,222 excess deaths and the Netherlands approximately 480
- High-pressure systems are forecast to bring temperatures reaching 40°C to southern France this weekend, with alerts issued for wildfire risk
- Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, driving increased heatwaves, water stress, and wildfires across the continent
- Drowning deaths also rose sharply, with 72 recorded in France since mid-June as people sought relief in water