A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has claimed dozens of lives, with France reporting 40 drowning deaths since last Thursday as millions of people seek relief from record-breaking temperatures.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the deaths, warning that many people are underestimating the dangers of swimming in unsupervised rivers, reservoirs, and canals during extreme heat conditions. Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari also urged residents to take greater precautions, stressing that heat-related swimming accidents are becoming increasingly common.
Among the victims was a 13-year-old girl who drowned in the River Seine while swimming with her family. A young professional footballer remains in critical condition after being rescued from the River Rhône near Lyon, where swimming is prohibited.
France has been one of the countries hardest hit by the heatwave, recording its hottest June day and warmest June night on record. More than half of the country remains under the highest level of weather alert as temperatures continue to soar.
Spain is also experiencing extreme conditions, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C in several regions and reach as high as 44°C in parts of the south. Weather officials say heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, with significantly more heatwave events recorded in recent decades.
Italy has issued red heat alerts for 15 major cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin, and Venice. Authorities have reintroduced emergency workplace protections, allowing outdoor workers such as farmers and construction crews to avoid working during the hottest parts of the day.
Germany has also reported several drowning deaths linked to the heatwave. Rescue officials say many victims overestimated their swimming abilities while attempting to cool off in rivers and lakes. Temperatures in parts of the country are expected to approach 40°C later this week.
The extreme weather is causing widespread disruption across Europe. In France, concerns over rail infrastructure have prompted warnings of transportation delays, while major tourist attractions including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum have reduced operating hours to protect visitors and staff from dangerous temperatures.
The heatwave has also affected energy production. A nuclear power plant in southwestern France was temporarily shut down after water temperatures in the nearby River Garonne approached legal safety limits required for cooling its reactors.
Weather experts expect temperatures to gradually decline in Spain over the coming days, but several countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany are expected to experience peak temperatures later this week. Authorities across Europe continue to advise residents to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, and check regularly on elderly relatives, children, and vulnerable individuals.
The latest heatwave has renewed concerns about the growing impact of climate change, as Europe continues to face increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events.
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