A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has claimed at least 18 lives in France, including two children left in a hot vehicle, while record-breaking temperatures continue to raise concerns across the continent.
At least 18 people have died in France as an intense heatwave continues to grip large parts of Europe, with authorities reporting that two of the victims were children left inside a hot vehicle.
The extreme weather event has prompted widespread concern across the continent as temperatures continue to soar, breaking historical records in several cities and disrupting daily activities.
In France, schools in some regions were closed or forced to modify timetables as authorities sought to protect students and staff from the dangerous heat conditions.
Meteorological agencies also warned that temperatures in the United Kingdom could reach record levels for the month of June later this week, highlighting the scale of the heatwave affecting Europe.
Among the areas hardest hit was Bordeaux in southwestern France, where temperatures climbed to 41.9 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set in August 2025.
In the central French city of Poitiers, temperatures reached 41.2 degrees Celsius, breaking a record that had stood since 1947.
The heatwave has also extended into Spain, where unusually high temperatures have been recorded in regions traditionally known for milder weather conditions.
In San Sebastián, located in northern Spain, temperatures were forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius-more than double the city’s historic average temperature for June 22.
Climate monitoring agencies reported that Europe is currently experiencing temperature levels significantly above long-term historical norms, making it one of the regions most affected by the ongoing heat event.
The latest developments come amid growing concerns among scientists about the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
According to an April report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Europe is warming at more than twice the global average rate, making it one of the fastest-warming regions in the world.
Experts have repeatedly warned that rising temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, wildfires, droughts and fatalities, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Authorities across Europe continue to issue public health advisories urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and take precautionary measures as the heatwave persists.
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