Europe Endures Record Heatwave, Over 1,300 Excess Deaths Reported

An unprecedented heatwave swept across Europe in late June 2026, breaking temperature records in numerous countries. Germany recorded a historic 41.5 °C in Drewitz, Denmark logged its hottest day since 1874 with 37 °C in Ødum, France saw its Basse‑Rhin department exceed 40 °C (up to 43.8 °C in Pisson), and Poland registered temperatures above 40 °C. The World Health Organization warned that the extreme heat caused more than 1,300 excess deaths on the continent, with the majority occurring in France and a significant share among people over 65.

In Italy, the situation was equally severe. Red‑alert “bollino rosso” warnings were issued for 18 cities, including Milan, Rome, and Turin, while several others received orange alerts. Hospitals and emergency services faced a surge in heat‑related admissions; in Turin, the 118 emergency line logged about 1,000 calls and four patients were placed in intensive care. The high temperatures also drove a sharp rise in household electricity consumption, with estimates that summer bills could increase by up to €400 per family, and a dual‑split air‑conditioner operating eight hours daily could add roughly €146 to a three‑month bill.

Meteorologists expect the anticyclone to weaken later in the week, bringing cooler Atlantic airflow and the development of strong thunderstorms across the Alps, the Po Valley and the Adriatic regions. These convective systems should help lower daytime maxima and reduce night‑time heat stress, although localized heavy rain and hail remain possible.