23.06.2026 13:21
After warnings that "25,000 people could die in a week" for Europe, the first severe consequences of the heatwave have emerged. In France, at least 18 people have died in heat-related incidents, while temperature records have been broken in many cities. As alert levels have been raised in Italy, England, Spain, and Belgium, experts have warned that the impact of extreme heat could increase further in the coming days.
Due to the extreme heatwave affecting Europe, notable assessments appeared in the foreign press during the morning hours. While it was stated that the weather system, called "dragon heat," poses a serious risk especially for the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, some assessments suggested that 25,000 people could lose their lives within a week.
Although there is no official tally yet, the first severe consequences of the heatwave have begun to emerge.
AT LEAST 18 PEOPLE LOSE THEIR LIVES IN FRANCE
With temperatures reaching record levels in France, fatalities have also occurred. In Carpentras, located in the Vaucluse region, two children aged 2 and 4, found unconscious in a vehicle by their mother, could not be saved despite all interventions.
In the city of Bordeaux, three people aged between 80 and 95 died due to heat-related health issues, while 13 people lost their lives in drowning incidents over the weekend. Thus, the number of deaths linked to the heatwave has reached at least 18.
TEMPERATURE RECORDS ARE BEING BROKEN ONE BY ONE
In Bordeaux, France, the temperature reached 41.9 degrees Celsius, surpassing last year's record. In Poitiers, a temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius was measured, the highest recorded since 1947. Experts warn that temperatures could rise further in the coming days.
RED ALERT IN ITALY, HISTORIC RECORD EXPECTED IN THE UK
Italy has issued red alerts for 12 cities, including Milan, Rome, Turin, Venice, and Florence. Due to increased energy consumption, power outages have begun in some regions.
The UK Met Office has announced that the country is preparing for its hottest day of the year. It is stated that temperatures may exceed 39 degrees Celsius in some areas, potentially breaking historical June records.
ALERT STATUS ACROSS EUROPE
Belgium has declared an orange alert, while Spain has announced that temperatures could rise 10 degrees above seasonal norms. In many countries, health authorities and local administrations are urging citizens not to go outside unless necessary.