At least 18 people have died in France as an intense heatwave continues to grip large parts of Europe. The extreme weather also shattered temperature records in several French cities on Monday.
French authorities confirmed that two young children died after being left inside a hot car outside their family home. The victims, aged two and four, were found unconscious by their mother in Carpentras, southeastern France. However, emergency responders failed to revive them.
Meanwhile, three elderly people aged between 80 and 95 died in the Bordeaux region over the weekend. Local officials said heat-related health complications caused their deaths.
In addition, French authorities reported 13 drowning deaths between Sunday and Monday. Officials urged residents to swim only in supervised locations as soaring temperatures drove more people to rivers, lakes, and beaches.
The heatwave also disrupted daily life across France. Several schools either closed temporarily or adjusted their schedules to protect students and staff from dangerous conditions.
Temperatures reached record levels in multiple cities. Bordeaux recorded 41.9 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set last August. Likewise, Poitiers reached 41.2 degrees Celsius, breaking a record that had stood since 1947.
The extreme heat extended into Spain. San Sebastian, traditionally known for its mild climate, was forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius. That figure is more than double the city’s historical average for June 22.
Meanwhile, weather forecasters in Britain warned that temperatures could challenge June records later this week. Authorities continue monitoring conditions as the heat spreads across the region.
Climate experts said the weather pattern resulted from an Omega block, which traps hot air over Europe. Consequently, warm air from the Sahara has pushed temperatures sharply higher while limiting cooling winds.
Scientists also warned that climate change is intensifying heatwaves and severe storms. As a result, Europe continues warming at more than twice the global average, increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
