Authorities issue red alerts across France and Spain as extreme temperatures strain public health systems and daily life
A severe heatwave swept across large parts of Europe on Monday, killing three elderly people in France and prompting widespread disruption as authorities issued red alerts, closed schools and warned residents to prepare for several more days of dangerous temperatures.
In France, three people aged between 80 and 95 died in the Bordeaux region over the weekend from health complications linked to the heatwave, local officials said. At the same time, the French government announced that nearly 2,700 schools would either close or alter their schedules as temperatures climbed. Weather agency Météo-France placed 49 administrative areas under a red heatwave warning, with Bordeaux expected to exceed 42 degrees Celsius.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said the country was facing several more days of intense heat, with no clear sign yet of when temperatures would ease.
Spain and France face soaring temperatures and emergency measures
Spain also faced extreme conditions, with the national weather agency Aemet issuing a red alert for the Basque Country in the north. San Sebastián was forecast to hit 40 degrees Celsius, far above its normal June average and even hotter than southern cities such as Seville and Córdoba, which typically record Spain’s highest summer temperatures.
Officials warned that nighttime offered little relief, particularly in southern areas where temperatures remained above 25 degrees Celsius and in some cases close to 30 degrees.
Heatwave strains wildlife shelters and workplace safety systems
The heatwave has also affected animals and working conditions across the continent. Wildlife rescue centres in northern Europe reported a surge in birds suffering from heat exposure, particularly species nesting under rooftops where temperatures can soar to 50 or 60 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Labour Ministry said it was monitoring whether employers were complying with rules allowing staff to reduce or adjust working hours during red and orange weather alerts. Workers unable to reach their jobs because of extreme weather are also entitled to up to four days of paid leave under existing regulations.
With Europe recording temperatures well above historical norms, officials across the region continue to urge caution as the heatwave intensifies.
