Southern Europe is facing an unprecedented heatwave at the beginning of summer.
In Spain, thermometers have reached 46°C in the Huelva region — a new national record for June. Suffocating temperatures are affecting Italy, Greece, Portugal, France, and the Western Balkans, causing fires, casualties, and a major health risk.
According to a warning issued on Monday by the World Health Organization (WHO), thousands of lives are in danger if urgent measures are not taken.
Each heatwave means thousands of preventable deaths. "We are no longer talking about whether we will have a heatwave, but about how many and how long these heatwaves will be," said Marisol Yglesias Gonzalez, WHO official responsible for climate change and health.
Alarming estimates: thousands of deaths in just three days
Pierre Masselot, a statistician at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, estimated that the current heatwave could cause over 4,500 deaths between June 30 and July 3, writes Politico.
The most affected countries are expected to be Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Luxembourg. "The most critical days will be Tuesday and Wednesday," he specified.
Studies show that extreme heat already causes over 175,000 deaths annually in the WHO European region, stretching from Iceland to Russia.
France: red alert in the Paris region, schools closed
For the first time in the last five years, the Paris region is under a red heatwave alert, along with 15 other departments in France, according to Le Figaro. Another 68 departments remain under an orange alert.
Approximately 1,350 schools will be partially or completely closed, and authorities advise the population:
"Do not go out during the hottest hours (11:00–21:00) or try to spend two to three hours a day in a cool or air-conditioned place."
The Eiffel Tower was closed to tourists on Monday and will remain closed at least until Wednesday.
Critical situation in other countries: massive fires and evacuations
- Turkey: Over 50,000 people evacuated near Izmir due to fires.
- Greece: Authorities warn of air pollution caused by wildfires around Athens.
- Albania: 26 fires reported in just 24 hours.
- Serbia: Meteorologists recorded the hottest day in history since measurements began in the 19th century.
WHO's response: prevention, not just reaction
WHO reminds that reacting during a heatwave is not enough — systemic preparation is needed, from urban planning to health policies.
In a 2022 survey, only 21 out of 57 European countries had a national heat health action plan. Of these, only 14 were in the EU.
The organization will launch new guidelines for governments next year, including "people-centered" strategies for cooling urban spaces and protecting vulnerable groups: elderly, children, pregnant women, and chronically ill individuals.
WHO's advice:
- Stay hydrated constantly
- Avoid sun exposure between 11:00–21:00
- Spend a few hours a day in a cool space
- Check on the health status of vulnerable individuals
- Be extra cautious for those taking medications affecting thermoregulation (antidepressants, antihypertensives)