France Sees 1,000 Extra Deaths Due to Record Heatwave

Weather is a big topic.

It is Monday, June 29, 2026, at 8:28 am.

France had its worst heatwave ever.

To sum up:

France had 1,000 more deaths than usual during its worst heatwave, says the country's health agency.

Over 150 million Europeans suffered from extreme heat, which is the worst on record.

What happens next?

The hot weather is moving to eastern Europe, and deaths are expected to rise.

France had 1,000 more deaths than usual during its worst heatwave, says the country's health agency.

When temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius, over 1,200 deaths were recorded on June 24, and 1,400 on June 25 and 26.

Europe's heatwave shows it is vulnerable to climate change. Australia's experience can teach valuable lessons.

Before the heatwave, France had about 900 to 1,000 deaths per day, so the heatwave caused an extra 1,000 deaths.

The World Health Organization said over 1,300 extra deaths were recorded since June 21 due to the heatwave.

Most of the extra deaths happened at home, especially in Paris, and also in nursing homes and hospitals.

The increase in deaths was highest in areas with extreme heat warnings, which covered most of France.

85% of the deaths were people aged 65 and above, and the temperatures broke France's heat record.

European countries are experiencing record heat.

Temperature records were broken in several European countries, and wildfires started in Germany.

Scientists say the heatwave, which started on June 20, is the worst recorded in Europe and has caused power and healthcare problems.

In Germany, water cannons were used to cool people down.

The hot weather is moving to eastern Europe.

Germany had a new record temperature for the third day in a row, and Poland had its highest temperature ever.

In Berlin, water cannons were used to spray cool water on a crowd.

The heat disrupted roads and transport in many countries due to melting tar and power outages.

The heat damaged infrastructure, and a warning was issued to avoid unnecessary train travel.

Over 600 passengers were evacuated from a train that lost power due to a fallen tree.

The train was going from Hamburg to Prague when it lost power, and the air conditioners stopped working.

An extreme heat warning was issued for parts of Romania.

Two people were hospitalized due to heat-related problems.

In Leipzig, trams will not run until Monday due to heat damage to the tracks.

The high temperatures caused the joint sealant for asphalt and concrete to melt and clump together.

A fire started in a forest in eastern Germany that still has ammunition from World War II.

Pope Leo XIV thanked people who attended his Sunday mass in the heat.

A major firefighting operation is underway in south-west Germany.

Firefighters had to stop work temporarily due to explosions, and an ordnance disposal unit was called in.

Some 650 people had to leave their homes due to the fire.

People in Munich cooled off in the Isar river.

In Sweden, several people were injured by lightning at an amusement park.

Three adults were taken to the hospital, including a woman with serious injuries.

Across Europe, the extreme heat was followed by severe thunderstorms.

Denmark had over 1,156 lightning strikes by Sunday morning.

The intense heat caused thunder and lightning storms across Europe.

The Czech Republic had its hottest day ever, with a temperature of 41.9C.

The extreme heat affected Europe's rivers, warming and depleting their waters.

Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant reduced output due to the high temperature of the Danube River.

In Italy, the flow of the Po river dwindled, allowing seawater to advance inland.

Dozens of people drowned seeking relief from the heat.

A study found that the heatwave would have been virtually impossible five decades ago.

Over 150 million people are living in extreme heat.

A study found that the record-breaking heat and humidity in Europe would not have been possible without climate change.

The heat would have been virtually impossible five decades ago and is 200 times more likely today.

Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average.

150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, and grids are buckling.

The phenomenon of the 'once-in-a-generation' heatwave is now occurring nearly annually.

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

European countries should focus on preparedness, prevention, and stronger health system responses.

They should implement action plans to deal with the heat.

AP/Reuters

Monday, June 29, 2026, at 8:28 am.

Monday, June 29, 2026, at 9:11 am.

See more ABC coverage.

Promotion

Hörübung

Hörübung