18 Dead as extreme heatwave sweeps across France
A severe heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with several cities breaking previous temperature records on Monday (June 22). In France alone, at least 18 people have died due to the extreme heat, including two young children. The heatwave has also forced many schools across the country to close or adjust their class schedules.
A local official in the southeastern French city of Carpentras said that a mother discovered her two children, aged two and four, unconscious inside their family car parked outside their home. Despite efforts by emergency responders, the children could not be revived. In the Bordeaux region, three elderly residents aged between 80 and 95 died from heat-related health complications.
In an attempt to cool off, many people sought relief in rivers and lakes. However, 13 people drowned across France over the past two days. Jérôme Boulanger, spokesperson for France’s Civil Security Service, urged citizens to swim only in supervised areas or locations with lifeguards.
Last year, drowning deaths during periods of extreme heat increased by 172 percent in France.
Temperatures in Bordeaux reached 41.9°C, surpassing the previous record set in August. In the central French city of Poitiers, temperatures climbed to 41.2°C, the highest recorded there since 1947. Meanwhile, Spain’s normally cooler northern city of San Sebastián is forecast to reach 40°C—more than double its average June temperature.
According to an April report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Europe is warming at twice the global average rate.
The United Kingdom’s Met Office has warned that temperatures in some parts of the country could exceed 39°C during the current four-day heatwave. If that happens, it would easily surpass the previous June record of 35.6°C set in 1957 and 1976. Only a few weeks ago, the UK also broke its highest-ever May temperature record.
In Italy, authorities issued red alerts for 12 cities on Monday due to the extreme heat. In Turin, soaring temperatures have placed heavy pressure on the electricity grid, causing power outages in several areas. Utility company Iren has doubled employee shifts and is deploying additional generators to stabilize the system.
The “Omega Block” Weather Pattern
Claire Barnes, a researcher specializing in extreme weather and climate at Imperial College London, explained that Europe’s heatwave is being driven by an atmospheric phenomenon known as an “Omega Block.” Named after the Greek letter Omega (Ω) because of its shape, the pattern traps hot air in the center while cooler air remains on either side.
The system is drawing hot air northward from the Sahara Desert and North Africa. Because the weather pattern moves very slowly and is accompanied by little wind, people are receiving virtually no relief from the heat. Scientists say climate change is making such heatwaves and storms more intense and longer-lasting.
Wildlife Also Affected
The extreme temperatures are not only affecting people but also placing wildlife under severe stress. Romain De Jaegere, founder of a wildlife rehabilitation center in Belgium, said that birds such as swallows, sparrows, and starlings that nest under roofs and ledges are particularly vulnerable.
As roof temperatures rise to between 50°C and 60°C, young birds are literally being cooked inside their nests. Many choose to jump from their nests rather than remain in the unbearable heat. Over the past three days, the rehabilitation center has received around 150 birds and other animals suffering from heat-related distress.