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Politico EU • June 26, 2026 13:47

Why Europe’s heat waves are still so deadly

Political Leaning Analysis

Left Center Right

Score: -0.30 • Leans Left

An ageing population, overheating homes and climatic change are fast outstripping preparations and driving up the death toll.

Story Timeline

Mon 12:00 - UN News Americas

Extreme heat, floods and drought threaten lives across Latin America and Caribbean

Wed 09:55 - France 24

Paris's largest outside swimming pool opens early ahead of massive heatwave

Wed 13:16 - France 24

Iconic Paris canal opens to swimmers as residents seek ways to cope with heatwave

Wed 14:59 - BBC Europe

Record-breaking heatwave develops across Europe

Wed 16:21 - NYT Europe

Western Europe Braces For Another Round of Heat

Thu 12:17 - Sky News (UK)

Amber heat alert issued as new heatwave nears

Thu 12:33 - France 24

Keeping cool: How French cities are adapting to extreme heat

Thu 14:02 - France 24

French school forced to adapt to early heatwave driven by climate change

Thu 16:57 - The Bulletin (BE)

Swimming on the roof: Open air pool finally on the horizon for Brussels

Fri 08:58 - Euronews

Farms, schools, rail and health services under strain as heatwave grips France

Fri 10:31 - BBC Headlines

Amber Extreme Heat warning issued by Met Office as 35C heatwave approaches

Fri 11:34 - DW All

Germany news: Heat alerts in effect for millions

Fri 11:34 - DW Top

Germany news: Heat alerts in effect for millions

Fri 13:25 - Euronews

Extreme heat in Europe: Which countries face the biggest costs?

Fri 15:15 - France 24

New timetables, longer holidays: How can French schools adapt to heatwaves?

Fri 16:23 - DW All

What to expect from the strongest El Nino in over a century

Fri 16:23 - DW Top

What to expect from the strongest El Nino in over a century

Fri 16:26 - Euronews

Heatwave nears 40C in France, forcing tourists to change routines

Sun 11:07 - Euronews

Summer solstice heatwave grips much of Europe as France restricts alcohol consumption

Mon 12:49 - The Bulletin (BE)

Heatwave causing major stress to young birds, warns wildlife centre

Mon 13:09 - France 24

French government holds crisis meeting over sweltering heatwave

Mon 13:44 - Euronews

School closures, alcohol bans and slow trains: How Europe’s heatwave is shutting down daily life

Mon 15:44 - DW All

Europe sizzles under heatwave with little relief in sight

Mon 15:44 - DW Top

Europe sizzles under heatwave with little relief in sight

Mon 15:44 - DW All

Europe sizzles under heat wave with little relief in sight

Mon 15:44 - DW Top

Europe sizzles under heat wave with little relief in sight

Tue 05:00 - Euronews

Europe’s heatwave could trigger blackouts. Which countries are most exposed?

Tue 08:35 - Al Jazeera English

About 20 drown in France trying to escape heatwave sweeping much of Europe

Tue 09:52 - France 24

France faces historically hot temperatures as heatwave carries on

Tue 10:26 - BBC Headlines

Around 29,000 lightning strikes light up sky across southern England

Tue 10:53 - BBC Europe

Drowning deaths soar in France as Europe buckles in peak of heatwave

Tue 11:51 - DW Top

Europe heat wave: No respite as extreme heat continues

Tue 11:55 - France 24

France issues red alert as heatwave breaks records and death toll mounts

Tue 13:20 - France 24

Paris suffocates as deadly heatwave takes hold of the country

Tue 14:16 - Euronews

At least 20 drownings reported as 54 French departments remain on red alert

Tue 14:19 - France 24

Heatwave: France records hottest-ever night

Tue 14:24 - France 24

French heatwave proves deadly as country struggles to adapt

Tue 15:18 - France 24

France's elderly particularly at risk as heatwave suffocates country

Wed 10:49 - Euronews

Red heatwave alerts spread across Europe with hottest day ever in France and 40 deaths from drowning

Wed 11:18 - France 24

#Parisians flock to #canal to escape suffocating #heat

Wed 12:14 - Euronews

Belgium under health alert as record-high heatwave hits the continent

Wed 13:14 - Al Jazeera English

When Paris is hotter than Mecca: How Europe’s heatwave compares globally

Wed 13:22 - France 24

Forty drown in France as people seek relief from Europe's heatwave

Wed 14:20 - DW All

European heat wave is not normal summer weather

Wed 14:20 - DW Top

European heat wave is not normal summer weather

Wed 15:19 - France 24

‘I don’t have a choice’: Paris workers struggle under historic heatwave

Wed 16:31 - NYT Europe

Europe Heat Wave Latest News: After France’s Hottest Day Ever, U.K. Approaches June Record

Wed 16:41 - Sky News (UK)

Will heatwave temperatures become the new normal in your area?

Wed 17:59 - NYT Europe

Why Is Europe the Fastest-Warming Continent

Wed 18:28 - Euronews

UK records hottest June day ever as Europe swelters in heatwave

Wed 22:25 - PBS Newshour

Millions in Europe face extreme temperatures from record-breaking heat wave

Thu 03:50 - Al Jazeera English

Migrants left to endure deadly Paris heat with little shelter or aid

Thu 04:02 - Euronews

What is extreme heat stress? Inside the deadly phenomenon surging across Europe

Thu 05:02 - Euronews

Working mums, agricultural labourers and bill payers: Who’s hit hardest by heatwave costs?

Thu 07:58 - Euronews

Heatwave scorches Europe from London to Madrid as temperatures near 39C

Thu 08:57 - France 24

Tourists on Champs-Élysées seek refuge from heat as more records tumble

Thu 09:59 - France 24

Europe swelters as heatwave affects more than 100 million people from Spain to Germany

Thu 10:43 - DW All

Europe heat wave: No respite as extreme heat continues

Thu 10:52 - Al Jazeera English

Europe faces another day of extreme heat after more temperature records set

Thu 12:00 - UN News All

Europe heatwave breaks records as UN agencies ramp up health warnings

Thu 13:51 - BBC Europe

Europe's heatwave shifts east as France raises health alert to highest level

Thu 14:42 - France 24

France's health system under pressure as heatwave continues

Thu 15:25 - Euronews

Heat stress threatens 130 million European workers, trade union body warns

Thu 16:33 - NYT Europe

More Temperature Records Fall as Deadly Heat Stifles Europe

Thu 16:36 - NYT Europe

Latest Victims of France’s Heat Wave: Children Locked in Family Cars

Fri 07:59 - DW All

Here's what southern Europeans know about surviving heat waves

Fri 07:59 - DW Top

Here's what southern Europeans know about surviving heat waves

Fri 09:33 - France 24

Live: Paris Pride postponed, drowning death toll rises as Europe swelters in record heatwave

Fri 11:49 - NYT Europe

Europe’s Scorching Heat Is Gradually Moving East

Fri 13:47 - Politico EU

Why Europe’s heat waves are still so deadly

Different Perspectives

Al Jazeera English

4 articles

▼

10:52

Europe faces another day of extreme heat after more temperature records set

France under extreme heat alert as 63 million endure 30+C temperatures, with widespread power outages in Brittany.

03:50

Migrants left to endure deadly Paris heat with little shelter or aid

Hundreds of migrants in Paris are left exposed as a heatwave sweeps Europe.

13:14

When Paris is hotter than Mecca: How Europe’s heatwave compares globally

Paris and other European cities are seeing temperatures above 40C (104F), levels normally seen across the Middle East.

08:35

About 20 drown in France trying to escape heatwave sweeping much of Europe

France struggles with extreme heat and power grid challenges as temperature records also smashed in parts of UK, Spain.

BBC Europe

3 articles

▼

13:51

Europe's heatwave shifts east as France raises health alert to highest level

Temperatures in Germany could hit 40C in some areas while French officials say deaths linked to the heat are being seen among young people.

10:53

Drowning deaths soar in France as Europe buckles in peak of heatwave

Forty people have drowned in heatwave-related deaths in France since last Thursday, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says.

14:59

Record-breaking heatwave develops across Europe

An intense heatwave is building across the continent, with Paris possibly seeing 40C by Sunday. Simon King reports.

BBC Headlines

2 articles

▼

10:26

Around 29,000 lightning strikes light up sky across southern England

Thunderstorms caused flash flooding and travel disruption across parts of England, with more extreme heat expected on Tuesday.

10:31

Amber Extreme Heat warning issued by Met Office as 35C heatwave approaches

Temperatures are expected to peak in the mid-30s Celsius on Monday and Tuesday with impacts on health and a risk of disruption to travel.

DW All

7 articles

▼

07:59

Here's what southern Europeans know about surviving heat waves

People in countries like Greece, Italy and Spain have long lived with high temperatures. Here's what more northerly countries can learn from them about managing heat waves as they become …

10:43

Europe heat wave: No respite as extreme heat continues

Some 101 million people in Europe will likely see temperatures above 35 C on Thursday, an analysis shows. And Germany is expecting things to warm up even more. DW has …

14:20

European heat wave is not normal summer weather

Human-induced climate change has intensified temperatures, making this year's record heat wave up to 4 degrees Celsius hotter.

15:44

Europe sizzles under heatwave with little relief in sight

Germany, France, the UK and other European countries are witnessing scorching temperatures with it likely not cooling down until the weekend or next week. DW has the latest.

15:44

Europe sizzles under heat wave with little relief in sight

Germany, France, the UK and other European countries are experiencing extreme heat, with cooler weather not expected until the weekend. Several deaths were reported in France, including two children. DW …

16:23

What to expect from the strongest El Nino in over a century

Warnings of a mighty El Nino weather pattern this year could bring drought, flooding and extreme heat. Can we prepare for the worst of it?

11:34

Germany news: Heat alerts in effect for millions

Germany is bracing for a mix of high temperatures and thunderstorms on Friday. Repairs on the Bonn North Bridge will take another two years. DW has the latest.

DW Top

7 articles

▼

07:59

Here's what southern Europeans know about surviving heat waves

People in countries like Greece, Italy and Spain have long lived with high temperatures. Here's what more northerly countries can learn from them about managing heat waves as they become …

14:20

European heat wave is not normal summer weather

Human-induced climate change has intensified temperatures, making this year's record heat wave up to 4 degrees Celsius hotter.

11:51

Europe heat wave: No respite as extreme heat continues

Some 101 million people in Europe will likely see temperatures above 35 C on Thursday, an analysis shows. And Germany is expecting things to warm up even more. DW has …

15:44

Europe sizzles under heatwave with little relief in sight

Germany, France, the UK and other European countries are witnessing scorching temperatures with it likely not cooling down until the weekend or next week. DW has the latest.

15:44

Europe sizzles under heat wave with little relief in sight

Germany, France, the UK and other European countries are experiencing extreme heat, with cooler weather not expected until the weekend. Several deaths were reported in France, including two children. DW …

16:23

What to expect from the strongest El Nino in over a century

Warnings of a mighty El Nino weather pattern this year could bring drought, flooding and extreme heat. Can we prepare for the worst of it?

11:34

Germany news: Heat alerts in effect for millions

Germany is bracing for a mix of high temperatures and thunderstorms on Friday. Repairs on the Bonn North Bridge will take another two years. DW has the latest.

Euronews

14 articles

▼

15:25

Heat stress threatens 130 million European workers, trade union body warns

The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) has presented a proposal for European legislation to protect workers' health during heatwaves.

07:58

Heatwave scorches Europe from London to Madrid as temperatures near 39C

A powerful heatwave swept across Europe, stretching from France to Spain and Belgium and pushing temperatures towards 39C, raising concerns about public safety and pressure on infrastructure.

05:02

Working mums, agricultural labourers and bill payers: Who’s hit hardest by heatwave costs?

Europe’s heatwave endangers lives as well as incomes.

04:02

What is extreme heat stress? Inside the deadly phenomenon surging across Europe

Parts of Europe are witnessing up to 40 additional days with strong heat stress compared with the 1970s, according to a major new study.

18:28

UK records hottest June day ever as Europe swelters in heatwave

The Met Office has warned that "exceptionally warm" temperatures are expected to continue through the middle of the week.

12:14

Belgium under health alert as record-high heatwave hits the continent

Belgium joins the list of European countries on alert due to extreme temperatures as record-high heatwaves hit the continent.

10:49

Red heatwave alerts spread across Europe with hottest day ever in France and 40 deaths from drowning

Extreme weather is getting worse as climate change speeds up.

14:16

At least 20 drownings reported as 54 French departments remain on red alert

After an exceptionally hot day yesterday, with temperatures above 40°C in some cities, the heatwave continues: 54 départements are on red alert this Tuesday 23 June in France.

05:00

Europe’s heatwave could trigger blackouts. Which countries are most exposed?

“Record-shattering temperatures are feeding demand for air conditioning and driving surges in demand for electricity.”

13:44

School closures, alcohol bans and slow trains: How Europe’s heatwave is shutting down daily life

Temperatures are expected to surge into the high-30s in many places as Europe faces its second heatwave in the space of a month.

11:07

Summer solstice heatwave grips much of Europe as France restricts alcohol consumption

Sunday is the summer solstice, meaning the sun is at its strongest and UV levels will be high across the continent.

16:26

Heatwave nears 40C in France, forcing tourists to change routines

France is enduring a widespread heatwave, with temperatures nearing 40C in parts of the country and forcing tourists and residents to change their routines.

13:25

Extreme heat in Europe: Which countries face the biggest costs?

France, Spain and Italy are among the European economies most exposed to the growing economic costs of extreme heat, which could reduce output by as much as 7% in some …

08:58

Farms, schools, rail and health services under strain as heatwave grips France

With temperatures set to soar as high as 40°C in the coming days, many workers are already changing their routines to adapt to the imminent challenges. In Bordeaux’s vineyards, the …

France 24

19 articles

▼

09:33

Live: Paris Pride postponed, drowning death toll rises as Europe swelters in record heatwave

Organisers of the Paris Pride March on Friday postponed the annual event scheduled for Saturday after police ordered them to change the date to avoid overwhelming response services already under …

14:42

France's health system under pressure as heatwave continues

As France and Europe continues to swelter under scorching temperatures, France's healthcare system has been left struggling to cope, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announcing on Thursday that the country's …

09:59

Europe swelters as heatwave affects more than 100 million people from Spain to Germany

At least 101 million Europeans were expected to experience temperatures of over 35C on Thursday, in a punishing and increasingly deadly heatwave hotter than weather in parts of Africa.

08:57

Tourists on Champs-Élysées seek refuge from heat as more records tumble

At least 101 million people in Europe are expected to experience temperatures in excess of 35C on Thursday, including 50 million in France, as an intense heatwave sweeping the continent …

15:19

‘I don’t have a choice’: Paris workers struggle under historic heatwave

As France swelters under a deadly heatwave, thousands of labourers continue to work in the streets and construction sites of Paris with little respite from the stifling heat. From the …

13:22

Forty drown in France as people seek relief from Europe's heatwave

Forty people have drowned in France over recent days as they sought to cool down to escape record heat, the prime minister said on Tuesday, as a heatwave swept across …

11:18

#Parisians flock to #canal to escape suffocating #heat

#France is experiencing its worst heatwave in history, with #Paris hitting above 40 degrees Celsius on June 23. To help its residents cope with the exceptionally high temperatures, the city …

15:18

France's elderly particularly at risk as heatwave suffocates country

Much of France remains under severe heat alert on June 23 after the country experienced its hottest afternoon and night since records began in 1947. Temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius …

14:24

French heatwave proves deadly as country struggles to adapt

As France experienced its hottest day yet in its latest heatwave, two children, aged 2 and 4 were found dead inside a parked car in the country's south. It comes …

14:19

Heatwave: France records hottest-ever night

France saw its hottest night since records began in 1947 from Monday to Tuesday, with temperatures across the country averaging 21.6C after darkness fell, according to the country’s weather agency. …

13:20

Paris suffocates as deadly heatwave takes hold of the country

France experienced its hottest night on June 22 as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said 40 people -- many of them young -- had drowned since June 18 amid a severe …

11:55

France issues red alert as heatwave breaks records and death toll mounts

France experienced its hottest-ever night Monday into Tuesday as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 40 people had drowned across the country since June 18 as they sought to escape the …

09:52

France faces historically hot temperatures as heatwave carries on

Millions of people across France woke up drenched in sweat on June 23 after another night of scorching heat, with most of the population exposed to extreme and exceptional temperatures. …

13:09

French government holds crisis meeting over sweltering heatwave

France is set to experience the hottest day yet in its latest heatwave after a sweltering night, with a peak of 43C expected in the southwest. Forecasters warn the extreme …

15:15

New timetables, longer holidays: How can French schools adapt to heatwaves?

The start of a new heatwave in France has prompted multiple schools to announce changes to their opening hours from Thursday onwards. As climate change makes high temperatures an annual …

14:02

French school forced to adapt to early heatwave driven by climate change

France has entered a heatwave, as the mercury climbs into the high thirties across parts of the country - up to ten degrees higher than normal for the time of …

12:33

Keeping cool: How French cities are adapting to extreme heat

If you've spent any time in France recently, you'll have noticed it has got warmer, especially in French cities. How is climate change impacting France? Why do cities suffer more …

13:16

Iconic Paris canal opens to swimmers as residents seek ways to cope with heatwave

As France is bracing for another heatwave, Paris is allowing swimming in one of its canals so residents could cope with the heat. It will be the second spell of …

09:55

Paris's largest outside swimming pool opens early ahead of massive heatwave

France is bracing for another heatwave this week after enduring its hottest spring on record. In Paris, a city not made to withstand heatwaves, the urgent demand for a place …

NYT Europe

6 articles

▼

11:49

Europe’s Scorching Heat Is Gradually Moving East

Parts of Spain, France and other countries are seeing slight relief, but the record-breaking heat wave is far from over.

16:36

Latest Victims of France’s Heat Wave: Children Locked in Family Cars

As temperatures pass record levels in France, the heat wave-related death toll continues to rise.

16:33

More Temperature Records Fall as Deadly Heat Stifles Europe

The continent’s second heat wave since May continued to disrupt daily life for millions. Officials in Spain said it might have contributed to a spike in deaths.

17:59

Why Is Europe the Fastest-Warming Continent

The burning of fossil fuels is raising temperatures worldwide, but local factors, on land and at sea, determine which regions warm most rapidly.

16:31

Europe Heat Wave Latest News: After France’s Hottest Day Ever, U.K. Approaches June Record

More than a dozen countries have issued urgent heat warnings. France saw its highest average temperature ever on Tuesday.

16:21

Western Europe Braces For Another Round of Heat

After an early heat wave in May, travelers and residents in France, Germany, Italy and other countries are again looking for respite.

PBS Newshour

1 article

▼

22:25

Millions in Europe face extreme temperatures from record-breaking heat wave

A major heat wave is shattering records across Europe, leaving tens of millions of people under sweltering conditions. France topped a record for the country's hottest day ever for the …

Sky News (UK)

2 articles

▼

16:41

Will heatwave temperatures become the new normal in your area?

As Britons face a record-breaking heatwave, climatologists are predicting that these temperatures could become the new normal for summer over the next few decades.

12:17

Amber heat alert issued as new heatwave nears

An amber heat health alert has been issued for parts of England from this afternoon, the UK Health Security Agency has said.

The Bulletin (BE)

2 articles

▼

12:49

Heatwave causing major stress to young birds, warns wildlife centre

As the heatwave persists in Belgium, the country’s wildlife is also struggling with protracted high temperatures. Young birds are particularly at risk, according to CREAVES wildlife rehabilitation centre near Namur. …

16:57

Swimming on the roof: Open air pool finally on the horizon for Brussels

As the capital braces itself for a heatwave this weekend, there is a glimmer of good news on the open air swimming pool front. The ambitious project for an outdoor …

UN News All

1 article

▼

12:00

Europe heatwave breaks records as UN agencies ramp up health warnings

As a record-breaking heatwave grips large parts of Europe, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), national weather services and partners are mobilising heat-health action plans for millions of people facing dangerous …

UN News Americas

1 article

▼

12:00

Extreme heat, floods and drought threaten lives across Latin America and Caribbean

Record-breaking temperatures, deadly floods, worsening drought and intensifying hurricanes are placing millions of people across Latin America and the Caribbean at growing risk of hunger, displacement and water shortages, according to …