At least 250 dead as heatwave rages with red alerts issued

At least 250 people have died in heat-related incidents across Europe as this week’s heatwave continues to bring soaring temperatures. Driven by a rare weather pattern known as an “Omega block” that has trapped a dome of hot, stagnant air over the continent, temperatures have repeatedly shattered records, soaring past 40C in countries like France and Spain. In the UK, the record for the hottest June day has now reportedly been broken for the second day in a row, with 36.4C provisionally recorded earlier on Thursday in Yeovilton, Somerset.

Spain has borne the heaviest human toll so far. The country’s Carlos III Health Institute (via the MoMo mortality monitoring system) reported 212 deaths attributable to high temperatures over just a four-day span (June 21–24). On Monday, temperatures in Spain exceeded 45C for the first time this year, with 45.1C recorded in Andújar located in the southern region of Andalusia.

France recorded its hottest day since records began hitting a staggering 44.3C in the southwest.

The government reported a tragic surge in drownings with at least 48 people losing their lives since June 18 as people, mainly younger people, sought relief from the suffocating heat in unsupervised rivers, lakes, and seas.

Emergency responders in the Paris suburbs also reported a massive spike in heat-triggered medical emergencies, treating more than 25 cardiac arrests in a single night compared to the usual average of fewer than five.

According to the World Health Organization, over just the past 4 years, heat has claimed more than 200 000 lives across the EU and its associated countries.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, heatwaves during the summers between 2020 and 2024 led to more than 10,000 premature deaths.

A red heat-health alert is in place and has been extended by the UK Health Security Agency. It covers the South West, South East, London, East of England, West Midlands and East Midlands until 11pm on Friday, June 26.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA said: “Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared. It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.

“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference. It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”

A red warning for extreme heat is currently in place until 11.59pm covering the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, South West England, Wales, and the West Midlands. Another red alert has also been issued for Friday until 9pm.

The warning states: “The heatwave which is affecting a large part of England and Wales is set to continue during Friday. The focus of the highest temperatures on Friday is likely to shift towards east and southeastern England, where maximum temperatures in the shade could exceed 36 Celsius, perhaps rising to 38 Celsius in some places. However, following another very warm night, the greatest likelihood of high impacts are expect to be within this Red warning area during Friday.

“The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts, with very warm and humid night times also reducing the ability for people to recover overnight.

“Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to make precautions and adapt their daily routines where possible to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK.”