- France’s Health Ministry noted that more than 1,200 deaths from all causes were recorded on June 24, followed by over 1,400 deaths on both June 25 and June 26. In comparison, daily mortality in April and May averaged between 900 and 1,000 deaths.
- German authorities reported at least seven drowning deaths over the weekend as high temperatures drove large numbers of people to lakes and rivers in search of relief from the heat.
A severe and prolonged heatwave has gripped parts of Europe, leading to a sharp rise in deaths in France and a series of fatal swimming accidents in Germany, as record-breaking temperatures continue to strain emergency services across the continent.
France’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that approximately 1,000 additional deaths have been recorded since June 24 compared to expected seasonal averages, particularly in regions hardest hit by extreme heat. Officials stressed that the figures remain preliminary.
The ministry noted that more than 1,200 deaths from all causes were recorded on June 24, followed by over 1,400 deaths on both June 25 and June 26. In comparison, daily mortality in April and May averaged between 900 and 1,000 deaths.
Authorities said the heatwave has been especially severe in regions under red alert, including Île-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, Normandy and Pays de la Loire. While all age groups have been affected, around 85 percent of the reported deaths were among people aged 65 and older.
Deaths have been recorded in hospitals, care homes and private residences, with fatalities at home rising significantly. Officials reported a 40 percent increase in deaths occurring at home, underscoring concerns about isolated and vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.
The ministry added that the data is based on electronic death certificates, which currently cover around 60 percent of national mortality, meaning the full impact of the heatwave may be even higher.
Meanwhile in Germany, authorities reported at least seven drowning deaths over the weekend as high temperatures drove large numbers of people to lakes and rivers in search of relief from the heat, dw.com reports.
Fatal incidents were recorded in Berlin, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia, with victims ranging in age from children to the elderly. Emergency services also reported a missing child in the Rhine-Herne Canal, as search operations continue.
Germany also recorded its hottest night on record, with temperatures in Saxony’s Kubschütz remaining unusually high overnight, marking a new national benchmark for minimum nighttime temperatures since records began. The German Weather Service confirmed that conditions surpassed the previous record set in 2003.
Meteorologists warn that the extreme heat is placing significant pressure on public health systems and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and accidents, particularly in urban areas and near waterways.
As Europe continues to endure the intense heatwave, authorities across multiple countries are urging residents to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme temperatures.
