Unprecedented heatwave claims lives across Europe

The heatwave, fueled by a marine heatwave in the Mediterranean Sea combined with a powerful heat dome, has triggered extreme temperatures across Europe. This pattern is becoming increasingly common with global warming. In recent summers, the Mediterranean’s ocean heat has played a major role in raising land temperatures, contributing to deadly floods and devastating wildfires.
The heatwave—driven in part by hot air flowing north from Africa—is feeding a feedback loop that reinforces both the marine and atmospheric heat.
So far, the heatwave has caused multiple fatalities in southern Europe:
- Two deaths in Spain have raised alarms about protecting outdoor workers.
- A construction worker in Italy has also died due to heat exposure.
The Iberian Peninsula and Italy are experiencing worsening conditions, with Spain facing an unprecedented heatwave.
Both Spain and the UK have just recorded their hottest June ever, as scorching temperatures continue to grip much of Europe.
In France, the crisis has led to school closures, the shutdown of nuclear reactors, and a spike in air pollution. Two deaths due to heat have also been confirmed.
As France enters the 14th consecutive day of extreme heat, 16 regions have been placed under red alert, the highest level of warning, while 68 regions are under orange alert.