Record European heatwave linked to more than 1,300 excess deaths

A severe heatwave across western Europe has been linked to more than 1,300 excess deaths, health authorities said, as record temperatures gripped the continent in late June.

The World Health Organization said that by 28 June, more than 1,300 excess deaths tied to high temperatures had been recorded across Europe since 21 June. France was among the hardest hit, recording around 1,000 more deaths than expected since 24 June, with 85 percent of those who died aged 65 and over.

The heat shattered records. France's weather service, Météo-France, said 23 June was the country's hottest day since measurements began in 1947, with temperatures reaching 44.3 degrees Celsius. The United Kingdom and Ireland also reported record-breaking conditions.

The spell was the second major heatwave of the year, beginning around 17 June, just before the summer solstice. Authorities issued health warnings, opened cooling centres and urged people to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that human-driven climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, more intense and more deadly, placing growing strain on health systems and infrastructure across Europe each summer.