An early summer heatwave sweeping across Europe has already claimed eight lives and triggered severe disruption across multiple countries. As temperatures soared to record highs, health systems were put on alert, wildfires flared, and critical infrastructure, including a Swiss nuclear plant, was forced to scale down operations.
Spain has reported four deaths two due to a wildfire in Catalonia and two others in Extremadura and Cordoba while France and Italy have each recorded two heat-related fatalities. France’s energy minister confirmed that over 300 people have been hospitalised due to heat stress. Italy issued red alerts for 18 cities, and temperatures in parts of Germany were expected to peak at 40°C, marking the hottest day of the year.
In Sardinia, Italy, two men over 60 died on the beach due to heat exposure, according to ANSA. Meanwhile, red alerts continue across central France, with health minister Catherine Vautrin warning of worsening impacts, especially on the elderly.
Blazes, Storms, and Energy Setbacks
Turkey managed to contain several wildfires that earlier led to the evacuation of 50,000 people. In Spain, a devastating fire in Catalonia destroyed farms and scorched a 40-kilometre stretch before being brought under control.
The extreme heat is also fuelling volatile weather patterns. Italy, France, and Germany have issued warnings of heavy storms due to atmospheric instability. In the French Alps, violent weather on Monday caused mudslides that disrupted key train routes between Paris and Milan.
In Switzerland, the Beznau nuclear power plant had to shut down one reactor and reduce output at another due to soaring river temperatures, which are vital for cooling the facility. Authorities are closely monitoring temperatures to determine further restrictions.
Economic Toll and Environmental Alarm
The heatwave is already having an economic impact. A report from Allianz Research estimates a half-percentage-point slowdown in regional economic growth for 2025, comparing the economic drag of a single day above 32°C to that of a half-day strike. British bakery chain Greggs warned its profits could fall below last year’s due to reduced foot traffic in the UK’s unusually hot weather.
Public life has also been disrupted. The upper deck of the Eiffel Tower was shut to visitors, and Brussels’ Atomium closed early for the third time this week. Forest fires in Germany’s Brandenburg and Saxony regions continue to challenge fire brigades, and schools across the country have closed due to the extreme heat.
Scientists Urge Climate Action as Europe Swelters
Experts say this year’s heatwaves have arrived earlier and more intensely, with temperatures up to 10°C above average in some regions. The formation of a heat dome, driven by warming seas, has trapped hot air masses over much of Europe.
Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN Environment Programme, issued a stark warning: “Extreme heat is testing our resilience and putting the health and lives of millions at risk. Our new climate reality means we can no longer be surprised when temperatures reach record highs each year.”
Spain recorded its hottest June on record, while France saw its hottest June since 2003 both strong reminders of accelerating climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and unsustainable industrial practices.
As Europe endures the escalating costs human, environmental, and economic of a rapidly warming planet, the call for urgent, systemic climate action is louder than ever.