Europe is currently experiencing an intense heatwave that has pushed temperatures to record levels across much of the continent, affecting tens of millions of people. At least 94 million individuals are expected to encounter temperatures exceeding 35°C, particularly in France and Spain. Furthermore, forecasts combined with 2025 population estimates from the Joint Research Centre indicate that more than 350 million residents—over two-thirds of Europe’s population—will face maximum temperatures above 30°C.

The heatwave, which has produced temperatures hotter than those in parts of east and west Africa, is driven by atmospheric patterns that trap hot air over the region. The impact has been intensified by infrastructure unprepared for such extreme heat. A newly published scientific study attributes the severity of the current heatwave to human-induced climate change, estimating that without it, temperatures would have been 2 to 4 degrees Celsius lower.

In France, about 44 million people are currently under the highest red alert for heat. The country recorded its hottest day since the inception of national temperature records in 1947, with Meteo-France reporting an average temperature—calculated from 30 measurement stations—of 30°C on Wednesday, surpassing the previous day’s record. Similarly, Britain experienced its hottest June day on record with temperatures reaching 36.1°C in southern England, breaking a 1976 benchmark. Spain also logged a new June heat record with an average temperature of 28.17°C, according to the national meteorological agency, Aemet.

The excessive heat has disrupted daily life and business operations across Europe, forcing early closures of schools, offices, and factories. Many workers, including delivery riders and those employed in outdoor sectors, continue to operate despite harsh conditions. In Italy, where 16 cities are under red alert, surface temperatures as high as 80°C were recorded around Rome’s Termini railway station, a heavily asphalted area, according to Greenpeace. The group highlighted the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations who must work despite the heat.

The extreme weather has also strained energy infrastructure. Power outages occurred in northwest France’s Finistère department after high temperatures caused a transformer failure, leaving approximately 68,000 households without electricity. In the United Kingdom, the electricity grid operator Neso issued warnings about potential supply constraints due to increased demand. Retail sales of cooling devices such as fans and air conditioners have surged as residents seek relief.

The World Health Organization’s director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the health risks posed by the heatwave and increased air pollution, calling on governments to strengthen climate resilience within health systems. Jim Skea, chair of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, noted that current temperature levels have exceeded some scientific projections and warned that Europe will face more frequent and severe heat extremes as global temperatures continue to rise.

The heatwave has also affected Europe’s tourism sector, with popular attractions such as Paris’s Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, as well as Brussels’ Atomium, closing early due to the extreme temperatures during a peak tourist month.