Europe Records Multiple All-Time High Temperatures as Heatwave Moves East

Germany reached 41.7C in the east, Poland hit 40.5C, and the Czech Republic recorded 41.1C, each setting national records. The extreme heat has already produced more than 1,300 excess deaths across the continent since 21 June, according to the head of the World Health Organization.

France alone reported roughly 1,000 additional deaths since Wednesday, with most occurring among people aged 65 and older.

Authorities have taken steps to limit heat-related illness. Paris banned takeaway alcohol sales in public and postponed its pride march to ease pressure on emergency services. At least 74 people have drowned in France since the heatwave began, most in unsupervised rivers, lakes and ponds, the interior minister told Le Parisien.

The World Health Organization head stated that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average. He described the current pattern of once-in-a-generation heatwaves now occurring nearly annually and urged countries to implement heat health action plans.

The heat dome weather pattern responsible for the records features sinking air that compresses and heats while preventing cloud formation, allowing stronger sunshine to raise ground temperatures further.

“Heat stress is often called the 'silent killer' - and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures.”