Europe is facing one of its most severe heatwaves on record, with multiple countries reporting unprecedented temperatures, widespread health impacts and growing concerns over drought, wildfires and pressure on infrastructure. Meteorological agencies and health authorities say the extreme heat reflects a broader trend of rising temperatures linked to climate change, while governments continue to issue emergency warnings and activate heat response plans.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), national weather services and the World Health Organization (WHO) are coordinating early warning systems and public health measures to reduce risks as the heatwave expands across Western, Central and Southern Europe.

Multiple Countries Register Historic Temperature Records

Several European nations have recorded their highest June temperatures. Germany reported 41.7 degrees Celsius in Coschen on June 28, with 252 weather stations registering all-time local temperature records. Hungary reached 40.7 degrees Celsius near Budapest, while Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria also reported new June records above 40 degrees Celsius.

France recorded its hottest day on record with a national average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius on June 24. Temperatures climbed to 43.8 degrees Celsius in western France, prompting red alerts across 58 departments. Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark and the United Kingdom also registered record-breaking June temperatures, with several national meteorological agencies describing the event as historic.

Health, Agriculture And Infrastructure Under Pressure

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more than 1,300 excess deaths linked to the heat had been recorded since June 21, while over 150 million people across Europe were affected. Health experts warned that prolonged daytime heat combined with unusually warm nights significantly increases the risk of heat-related illness, particularly for older adults, children, outdoor workers and people with chronic medical conditions.

Authorities also reported rising wildfire risks, worsening drought conditions, disruptions to transport networks, reduced labour productivity and growing stress on agriculture and water resources.

Climate Change Intensifies Extreme Heat Events

According to WMO, Europe has warmed by about 2 degrees Celsius since the mid-1970s, making it the world's fastest-warming continent. Climate scientists say extreme heatwaves are expected to become more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense as global temperatures continue to rise.

The WMO, WHO and UN partners are expanding the Early Warnings for All initiative and supporting governments with heat-health action plans, disaster preparedness tools and climate information systems. Officials say stronger urban planning, public awareness and early warning systems will remain essential to reducing future heat-related risks.