A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has led to multiple deaths in France and prompted widespread disruptions as temperatures soar well above seasonal averages. In southwestern France, three elderly individuals aged between 80 and 95 died over the weekend in the Bordeaux region due to health complications linked to the extreme heat, local authorities reported. Bordeaux is forecast to see temperatures exceed 42°C on Monday, with Meteo France issuing red heatwave warnings covering 49 regional administrative areas.

French Health Minister Stephanie Rist emphasized the persistence of the intense heat, noting on national television that several more days of very high temperatures are expected, with no clear indication of when the heat will subside. Schools across affected areas have closed or adjusted schedules to protect students and staff from the harsh conditions.

In Britain, the Met Office issued warnings of a four-day heatwave affecting southern and central England as well as parts of Wales, with temperatures predicted to surpass 39°C in some locations. This would break the existing record high for June set in 1957 and matched in 1976, both at 35.6°C. The country is experiencing this heatwave after recording its hottest May day on record, reaching 35.1°C.

Meanwhile, Spain is also confronting unusually high temperatures, especially in the normally cooler northern Basque region, where the state weather agency Aemet has issued a red alert. San Sebastian is expected to reach 40°C, a figure more than double its historical average for late June. The city is forecast to be hotter than southern Spanish cities such as Seville and Cordoba, which traditionally bear the country’s highest summer temperatures. According to Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo, temperatures across much of Spain are between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius above normal seasonal levels, with some northern areas experiencing even greater anomalies. Nighttime temperatures remain elevated in parts of the country, including the southwestern province of Almeria, where lows stay above 25°C and sometimes near 30°C.

Europe as a whole is currently experiencing its warmest conditions relative to historic norms compared with other continents. The average high temperature recorded on Monday was 24°C, approximately 4.1°C above the 1961-1990 baseline. By contrast, Asia and North America recorded anomalies of 2°C and 1.3°C, respectively.

The heatwave’s impact extends beyond human populations. Wildlife shelters in northern Europe are seeing an influx of heat-affected animals. In Belgium, the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Animals Living in the Wild reported a surge in admissions, particularly among birds such as swifts, swallows, sparrows, and starlings. These species, which often nest under roof eaves, face temperatures on rooftops reaching as high as 50 to 60 degrees Celsius. According to wildlife biologist Romaine de Jaegere, many birds are abandoning nests to avoid fatal heat exposure.

In response to the extreme weather, Spain’s Labour Ministry is actively monitoring employer compliance with regulations permitting workers to reduce or adjust working hours during orange or red weather alerts. Employees unable to reach their workplaces due to the heat may also be entitled to up to four days of paid leave under these provisions.