Europe’s heatwaves scorch 80 million with 40°C heat

Europe witnessed an unprecedented summer heatwave in 2026, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, affecting 80 million people from mid-June to mid-August, according to official data analyzed by AFP. The scorching heatwaves, fueled by climate change, led to devastating droughts, wildfires, and more than 25,000 excess deaths across several European countries. Western Europe recorded its hottest start to summer ever, with the June–July period hitting record levels, as reported by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The extreme heat caught countries unprepared for such intense conditions, with multiple waves of heat impacting areas like the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Poland. In France, 30 million people experienced temperatures exceeding 40°C, while Spain saw 23 million affected, and Germany and Italy had eight million each endure similar heat. Many buildings, including hospitals, schools, and care homes, lacked cooling measures, leaving residents vulnerable to the extreme temperatures.

The heatwave's duration was equally alarming, with France experiencing over 20 million people enduring 35°C temperatures for at least 21 days, a figure five times higher than the summer of 2022. Similarly, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Poland faced unusually high temperatures, with the latter four nations experiencing temperatures above 35°C for extended periods.

While mountainous regions like the Alps remained relatively unaffected, the exceptional heat contributed to a record number of rockfalls in the Alps, according to Ludovic Ravanel, a French scientist from the national scientific research center CNRS. He explained that the heat was melting invisible ice in rock cracks, which held the rocks together, leading to their collapse.

German authorities reported a record 14,000 heat-related deaths during the summer, in addition to 4,500 in Spain and 7,300 in France. These figures are subject to change as investigations continue. The heatwave's impact extended to 80% of Europe's population, with temperatures climbing above 35°C in vast regions, affecting around 490 million people.