Record-Breaking European Heatwaves and Rising Death Toll

Europe has been gripped by an unprecedented summer heatwave, breaking temperature records across the continent and wreaking havoc on both people and infrastructure. From late May to early July 2025, nations from Portugal to the United Kingdom endured soaring temperatures, peaking at 46.6°C in Mora, Portugal, and issued widespread health warnings.

A rapid scientific assessment of 12 major cities reveals that the ten-day heatwave, which ended on July 2, is linked to approximately 2,300 heat-related deaths—about 1,500 of which were directly attributed to human-caused climate change.

In Spain alone, over 1,180 fatalities were recorded between May 16 and July 13, marking a steep rise over the prior year. The UK, hit hard as well, suffered an estimated 570 heat-related deaths.

The impacts haven't been confined to loss of life. Schools in France and Italy closed, outdoor work was restricted, and public attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, were temporarily shut down to cope with the extreme heat. Infrastructure was also strained, with wildfires erupting in France, Turkey, and other regions, forcing evacuations and disrupting travel.

Energy grids felt the pinch, and even Switzerland took the rare step of shutting down a nuclear reactor to protect rivers from overheating.

Climate scientists warn that Europe, the fastest-warming region on Earth, where temperatures are rising roughly twice as fast as the global average, faces more frequent and intense heatwaves unless emissions are curbed and cities adapt.

This crisis is more than a weather event; it’s a wake-up call. Europe must rapidly accelerate climate resilience measures, from urban design and public health planning to infrastructure upgrades and heatwave forecasting. With human lives and economic stability at stake, the era of treatable summer heatwaves has come to an end.