Europe Severe Weather Leaves 3,700 Excess Deaths in France, Belgium and Netherlands
Europe severe weather has produced a combined total of 3,700 excess deaths in France, Belgium and the Netherlands during the record June heatwave, according to preliminary figures that authorities have warned will likely increase. [2] The extreme conditions, which scientists link directly to climate change, have also triggered warnings of renewed high temperatures across multiple countries in the coming days. [3]
Excess Mortality Across Western Europe
France recorded 2,025 excess deaths from 22-28 June, representing a 29% increase compared to the previous week. [2] Deaths rose by 62% in the Paris region, while deaths at home increased by 91% during the same period. [3] The French public health authority described the figures as preliminary and stated that mortality will therefore be higher than these initial numbers suggest. [2] A clear increase occurred among those over 45, according to French health minister Stéphanie Rist. [3]
Belgium registered excess mortality of about 1,200 deaths between 18 and 29 June, with 530 of those among people aged 85 or older. [2] People under 65 accounted for 180 of the excess deaths in Belgium. [2] The Belgian health ministry described such excess mortality during a heatwave as unprecedented in the country. [3] One source placed the Belgian total at 1,222 excess deaths, or 39% more than usual. [3]
The Netherlands reported around 480 excess deaths during the heatwave, mainly among people over 80. [2] Most of these deaths occurred in the south and east of the country where temperatures were highest. [3] Authorities across the three countries have indicated that the reported totals remain incomplete and subject to upward revision as additional data arrives. [2]
Record Temperatures and Immediate Impacts
France experienced its hottest day ever on average country-wide on 24 June, with temperatures hitting almost 41C in Paris and half the nation placed under a red heat alert. [3] Temperatures reached almost 40C in parts of the Netherlands. [3] The heatwave, which lasted from about 20-28 June, caused disruption to power generation, damaged infrastructure and overwhelmed healthcare systems. [2]
Drowning deaths rose sharply in France, with 72 people reported dead by drowning since 18 June. [3] Southern France has faced wildfires this week, with nearly 7,000 fires breaking out since the start of the summer season and about 8,700 hectares burned so far. [3] Nearly 3,000 people were evacuated after a wildfire ignited in the town of Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and spread to Canet-en-Roussillon. [3]
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Climate Change as the Driver
The extreme heat was almost certainly driven by climate change, scientists said. [2] Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating twice as fast as the global average according to the Copernicus climate service. [3] This accelerated warming produces increased summer heatwaves, greater pressure on Europe's water supply and more intense wildfires. [3] Researchers have noted that the record summer of 2022 caused more than 61,000 heat-related deaths across Europe, underscoring the growing public-health consequences of rising temperatures. [1]
Air Conditioning Shortage and Import Surge
Only about one-fifth of European households have air conditioning. [1] This limited coverage has contributed to a sharp rise in demand for cooling equipment. China’s air-conditioner exports to the European Union reached US$3.76 billion in the first half of 2026, up 43.2% year on year, with portable units surging more than 70%. [1] Demand has been strongest for installation-light machines from Chinese makers such as Midea, Haier, Gree and Dreame. [1]
Many European homes were designed for temperate summers rather than prolonged heat, and historic buildings often restrict exterior changes while landlords resist modifications. [1] Installation costs can exceed the price of the machine itself, making portable units a practical response to immediate health risks. [1]
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Broader Health and Adaptation Challenges
France reported roughly 1,000 excess heat-related deaths during the current heat wave. [1] The stakes extend beyond immediate mortality, as heat has become a public-health risk rather than a seasonal inconvenience. [1] Air conditioning saves lives during heat waves yet carries a paradox: if powered by fossil-heavy electricity or inefficient equipment, it deepens the warming that drives further demand. [1]
Europe needs immediate access to cooling for vulnerable people, a long-term industrial policy that builds manufacturing and installation capacity, and environmental rules that prevent today’s cooling measures from becoming tomorrow’s emissions problem. [1] Cities require shade, reflective roofs, trees, cool public buildings and heat-alert systems, while housing policy must prioritize retrofits of older apartments, schools, hospitals and care homes. [1] Power grids must prepare for summer peaks in addition to winter heating demand. [1]
Forecast for Continued Heat
Parts of Europe, including the UK, are braced for more searing temperatures from this weekend. [3] A large area of high pressure is building from the Azores toward Portugal and Spain, with heat forecast to climb across France and southern Britain. [3] Temperatures are expected to reach 40C in the south of France, with peaks of 36C to 37C around Bordeaux, Toulouse and Agen. [3] Météo-France has issued red alerts for Friday and Saturday for forest fires in southern France, warning that conditions mean the risk of an outbreak is very high compared to summer norms. [3]
Portugal’s government has declared a state of alert that will remain in place until midnight on Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40C in some areas and overnight temperatures above 25C. [3] In Spain, areas of the southwest are on orange alert as 40C is expected in some parts. [3] While the Netherlands expects a cooler week ahead, hot weather is predicted again over the weekend elsewhere. [3]
What to watch next: renewed high temperatures across France, the UK, Portugal, Spain and southern Europe, accompanied by fire alerts and state-of-alert declarations.
