Over 1,300 additional fatalities have been documented across Europe since June 21 due to the unprecedented heatwave that has swept through the continent, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Throughout the past week, more than 191 million individuals in Europe experienced temperatures exceeding 35C, with countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary registering record highs of over 40C on Sunday.
In the UK, a new June temperature record was set for three consecutive days, peaking at 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Friday. Several weather stations surpassed the previous record of 35.6C set in 1976 and 1957.
In response to the extreme heat, three hospitals in England declared critical incidents as large regions of the country were placed under a rare red warning. University Hospital Southampton reported significant pressure on its services due to the extreme heat, leading to the cancellation of planned operations and outpatient appointments.
Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also declared critical incidents. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that “more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since 21 June linked to high temperatures in Europe,” emphasizing the impact of heat stress.
French health authorities reported approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday alone. France experienced its hottest day on record nationally, with temperatures in Pissos, south-west France, reaching 44.3C. Most of the heat-related fatalities in France involved elderly individuals, with expectations of a rise in numbers as more data is gathered from care homes and private residences.
Tedros warned that the frequency of extreme heatwaves, driven by climate change, is becoming almost annual, particularly in Europe, the continent with the fastest rate of warming globally. The WHO is collaborating with Member States and partners to address health risks posed by extreme heat through enhanced preparedness, prevention, and health system responses.
He urged European nations to implement heat health action plans to safeguard public health in the context of climate change.
