A severe heatwave sweeping across much of Europe has raised urgent concerns about the heightened health risks faced by vulnerable populations, particularly young children and the elderly. The extreme temperatures forecast for the coming days are expected to rival the devastating 2003 heatwave, which resulted in approximately 70,000 deaths across the continent.

While public health communications traditionally emphasize the dangers of heat for older adults, recent events have highlighted the peril for the very young as well. On Monday, two children tragically died inside a car in France, underscoring that infants and young children also face serious threats during periods of extreme heat.

Experts note that climate change, driven by human activity, is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves. According to the 2026 Europe report from the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, exposure to heatwaves among people over 65 has surged by 266 percent between 2015 and 2024 compared to the early 1990s. Infants under one year experienced a 121 percent rise in heatwave exposure during the same period.

French epidemiologist Noemie Letellier explained that elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable due to physiological factors that impair their ability to regulate body temperature, as well as social issues such as economic hardship, isolation, and dependence on others. Women in this age group may face greater risk because they often live alone and have fewer resources.

Adding to these challenges, Jacques Boddaert, head of the geriatric department at Pitie-Salpetriere University Hospital in Paris, highlighted that older adults tend to have a diminished thirst response, react more slowly to dehydration, and are frequently affected by chronic illnesses that exacerbate heat risks. Certain medications, including diuretics commonly prescribed for heart conditions, can further complicate heat-related health problems. Boddaert also warned that summer holidays among caregivers can create dangerous gaps in support for vulnerable elderly individuals.

For children, while deaths directly caused by heat are uncommon, extreme temperatures contribute to a range of health issues. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, with studies linking high heat exposure to increased chances of preterm birth and low birth weight. A 2024 review published in the Journal of Climate Change and Health also noted a rise in emergency room visits for children during heatwaves, citing increased asthma attacks, heat illnesses, and negative impacts on school performance.

A 2025 report by Climate Central further emphasized the link between climate change and rising health risks, stating that global warming has at least doubled the number of annual pregnancy heat-risk days over the past five years in more than 200 countries.

As Europe braces for weeks of intense heat, public health officials continue to stress the importance of protecting those most susceptible to heat-related harm, particularly the elderly and the very young.