Europe Heatwave Sets Early Temperature Records and Strains Health Services

Last week’s heatwave produced record early-season temperatures across much of Europe. More than 150 million people experienced readings above 35C, and several locations passed 40C. Spain, which tracks excess deaths linked to heat in real time, recorded more than 100 such deaths per day since Wednesday.

French authorities stated that at least 1,000 additional deaths occurred between 24 and 27 June, a figure expected to increase.

The London ambulance service logged its busiest day on record for the most serious category of calls on Wednesday, handling 642 responses to cardiac arrests, breathing failures, and life-threatening injuries. Two days later the record was broken again.

Hundreds of UK schools closed early, workplaces overheated, and rail operators advised passengers not to travel. In Germany, Bautzen recorded an overnight minimum of 29.4C, the highest ever measured in that country.

The Guardian’s Europe environment correspondent Ajit Niranjan said extreme weather events sometimes increase support for climate-skeptical parties. He noted that some groups attribute heat-related problems to government mismanagement rather than emissions.

Niranjan also said both emissions reduction and adaptation measures are needed, and that some political parties focus on only one side of the issue. Social media discussion included calls for wider air-conditioning use. Patrick Collison, CEO of Stripe, posted that Europe should adopt air conditioning more broadly.

France’s National Rally announced plans for expanded air conditioning, while some green groups continue to oppose it on environmental grounds.