Europe Swelters Under Brutal Heatwave With 1,300 Deaths, Trains Halted, 200 Mn Affected | Top Points

Last Updated:June 29, 2026, 17:23 IST

Europe faces its worst recorded heatwave, with record temperatures above 40C causing hundreds of deaths, transport chaos, power strain, farm losses and sweeping emergency measures.

Europe is enduring what scientists have described as its worst recorded heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C across several countries, leaving hundreds dead, disrupting transport networks, damaging infrastructure and prompting emergency measures from governments.

The prolonged heatwave, which began around June 20, has been driven by an “Omega Block" weather pattern that trapped hot air over western and central Europe. Climate scientists say human-induced climate change has made such extreme weather events more frequent and intense.

Death Toll Continues To Rise

France has reported around 1,000 excess deaths linked to the heatwave between June 24 and June 27, with health authorities warning that the figure is expected to rise as more data from hospitals, care homes and private residences becomes available.

Earlier in the week, at least 40 people drowned while attempting to cool off in rivers, lakes and unsupervised swimming areas. Two young children also died after being left inside a parked car during the extreme heat.

Spain has reported suspected heat-related fatalities, while emergency medical services across several European countries have witnessed a sharp increase in heatstroke and dehydration cases.

Record Temperatures Across Europe

The heatwave has shattered temperature records across much of the continent.

• France: Paris recorded 40.9°C, while Pissos registered 44.3°C during the country’s hottest June day on record.
• United Kingdom: Southern England reached 36.1°C, the highest June temperature ever recorded in the country.
• Germany: Coschen recorded 41.7°C, setting a new national record.
• Czech Republic: Doksany touched 41.9°C, the highest temperature ever recorded in the country.
• Poland: Słubice reached 40.5°C, breaking a 105-year-old national record.
• Hungary: Budakalász registered 40.7°C.
• Italy and Spain: Several cities crossed the 40°C mark, triggering the highest-level heat alerts.

Transport Networks Disrupted

The extreme heat has severely affected transport infrastructure across Europe.

France’s national railway operator SNCF cancelled 71 intercity train services and imposed speed restrictions after rail tracks expanded in the intense heat. Thousands of maintenance workers were deployed to inspect tracks and overhead power lines.

Belgium cancelled nearly one-fifth of its train and bus services due to overheating concerns, while parts of Britain’s rail network also experienced delays and speed restrictions.

Roads Crack, Traffic Lights Fail

The prolonged high temperatures have damaged roads and urban infrastructure.

Authorities in Germany reported road surfaces cracking and buckling under the heat. In several European cities, traffic lights malfunctioned or partially melted as temperatures remained well above seasonal averages.

Power grids also came under strain, causing outages in parts of France, while several nuclear reactors reduced electricity output because river water used for cooling had become too warm.

Emergency Measures Across Continent

Governments introduced emergency measures to protect residents from the scorching temperatures.

France placed more than 70 departments under red heat alerts and closed thousands of schools. Italy issued red alerts for multiple cities, including Rome, Milan and Florence, while authorities advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.

Construction companies shifted work to dawn hours, and employers across Europe introduced additional breaks, cooling stations and flexible work schedules for outdoor workers.

Businesses Adapt To Extreme Heat

Companies have also adjusted operations to protect employees.

German logistics giant DHL distributed cooling kits, reusable cooling towels and UV-protective gear to more than 111,000 postal workers. Steelmaker Thyssenkrupp provided additional water, fruit and cooling breaks for employees working in temperatures exceeding 45°C.

Retailers across Europe reported soaring demand for fans and portable air-conditioning units as households sought relief from the heat.

Agriculture Suffers Heavy Losses

The agricultural sector has also been hit hard.

Hundreds of thousands of poultry have died in France due to heat stress, overwhelming carcass disposal services. Dairy farmers have reported milk production falling by up to 20 per cent, while many farmers have shifted harvesting operations to nighttime to reduce heat exposure.

Climate Change Warning

Scientists say Europe is warming more than twice as fast as the global average, making prolonged and intense heatwaves increasingly likely.

The World Health Organization has warned that around 150 million people across Europe are currently living under extreme heat conditions, urging governments to strengthen climate adaptation measures and protect vulnerable populations.

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