Scorching Heatwave Sweeps Across Europe

A severe heatwave is scorching Europe, claiming hundreds of lives across France and Spain while causing widespread power outages and school closures. France recorded its hottest day in nearly 80 years with temperatures hitting 44.3°C, leading authorities to report 50 heat-related casualties. In Spain, an extreme stretch of weather exceeding 40°C has resulted in 212 fatalities, though the national weather agency AEMET noted the hottest days have “begun to ease.” Record-breaking June temperatures have also hit the UK and Paris, while Italy has issued peak alerts for 16 major cities. Cautioning that the crisis is not over, the Italian Health Ministry warned the extreme conditions “could intensify further” into the coming week.