- Nearly 200 Million Europeans Face Extreme Heat Above 35°C
PARIS: A devastating heatwave sweeping across Europe has put an estimated 191 million people under temperatures of at least 35 degrees Celsius on Sunday, with Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland among the hardest-hit nations, according to AFP estimates.
Overall, around 381 million people across Europe, excluding Turkey, are expected to experience temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, based on forecasts from the German Meteorological Service and 2025 population data compiled by the Austrian NGO Klimadashboard.
France Records Around 1,000 Excess Deaths During Historic Heatwave
French health authorities reported a tragic rise in fatalities linked to the prolonged spell of extreme heat, revealing that approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected have occurred since June 24.
“Since June 24, approximately 1,000 additional deaths (unconsolidated figures) have been observed compared to the deaths recorded in previous months,” Public Health France said in an official statement.
The agency noted that the regions placed under the highest, red-level heat alerts suffered the greatest impact, with 85 percent of the victims being individuals aged 65 and above.
Elderly and Isolated Residents Among the Most Vulnerable
Health officials highlighted a significant increase in deaths occurring at home, particularly in the Île-de-France region, which encompasses Paris and its surrounding suburbs.
The findings have renewed concerns about the vulnerability of elderly and isolated citizens during periods of extreme weather.
“This observation serves as a reminder of the need for measures of solidarity toward people who are isolated or experiencing profound loneliness, including in highly urbanized areas,” the statement added.
Authorities cautioned that the figures remain preliminary and could ultimately prove to be an underestimation of the true human toll.
Relief Arrives as Temperatures Begin to Fall in France
After several days of intense heat that pushed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country, France experienced some relief on Sunday as cooler conditions gradually returned.
However, the broader European heatwave continues to pose serious risks, underscoring growing concerns over the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events across the continent.
BY: The Times Union
