In brief
The World Health Organization has announced that the continent’s early‑summer heatwave has caused more than 1,300 excess deaths since June 21, linking the spikes to record‑breaking temperatures. Germany reported its highest ever daily temperature, while Poland and the Czech Republic also broke all‑time records. Authorities across France, Germany and Italy halted outdoor events and imposed bans to curb heat‑related fatalities. Climate experts warn that the heat • often called the silent killer – is accelerating in Europe, demanding urgent public‑health responses.
The World Health Organization has announced that the continent’s early‑summer heatwave has caused more than 1,300 excess deaths since June 21, linking the spikes to record‑breaking temperatures.
Germany reported its highest ever daily temperature of 41.7°C in eastern Brandenburg, while Poland and the Czech Republic broke all‑time records of 40.5°C and 41.1°C respectively.
European health ministries have issued warnings: France’s national health ministry reported around 1,000 more deaths than expected, a majority above 65 years old.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO chief, described heat stress as “the silent killer” and urged countries to implement heat‑health action plans amid a climate that is warming at twice the global average.
In response, France banned public alcohol sales during the World Cup match and cancelled the annual Pride march. Dutch music festival Defqon.1 was cancelled following a code red warning.
The extreme heat is attributed to a heat dome: air that sinks and compresses, leaving no clouds to break the intense sunshine, thereby amplifying ground temperatures.
