Two children were found dead inside a car in southern France on Monday amid a severe heatwave affecting much of Europe, as authorities issued multiple warnings and implemented measures to mitigate the impact of extreme temperatures. The victims, aged two and four, were discovered in a family vehicle parked in a residential area of Carpentras. Investigators indicated that the intense heat was likely the cause of their deaths.

The heatwave has prompted widespread disruption across the continent, with outdoor events canceled, schools either shut or operating on shortened schedules, and public advisories urging vulnerable populations to take precautions. In France, where the heatwave is particularly acute, regional authorities placed 49 departments under red alerts for dangerously high temperatures. Cities such as Bordeaux are expected to experience temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

On Sunday and overnight into Monday, 13 people drowned in France while seeking respite from the heat in unsupervised bodies of water, according to a spokesperson from the Civil Safety service. Among the victims was a 13-year-old girl. Additionally, three elderly individuals reportedly died due to the extreme temperatures. In response, the French government warned against swimming in lakes and rivers without supervision, emphasizing safety as a priority.

As a preventative measure, French authorities closed more than 1,300 schools and shortened hours in roughly 4,000 others. French Health Minister Stephanie Rist highlighted the uncertainty surrounding when the temperatures might subside, stating that the country faces several “very, very hot days” ahead.

Neighboring countries have also been affected. In Germany, police reported five fatal swimming accidents over the weekend. Italy issued red-level heat alerts for 12 cities including Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Rome. Milan’s Red Cross encouraged elderly and at-risk residents to use cooling centers equipped with solar-powered air conditioning.

The United Kingdom’s Met Office issued a rare red warning—the highest level—to cover a broad area of central and southern England, including London and Birmingham. Forecasts predict temperatures reaching between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius from Wednesday through Thursday, raising concerns over potential health risks and infrastructure disruptions such as road and rail closures. Schools in southwest England have planned early dismissals, and some train services were altered or canceled due to severe weather conditions.

Climate experts have attributed the intensity and frequency of these heatwaves to human-driven climate change. Akshay Deoras, a senior researcher at the University of Reading’s National Centre for Atmospheric Science, explained that global warming has amplified extreme temperature events by loading the atmosphere with additional heat.

Residents in affected areas have reported health issues resulting from the heat. In Paris, for example, some schoolchildren experienced nausea and vomiting, prompting emergency service responses. Banners outside some classrooms warned that temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius were excessively high for learning environments.

Meteorological agencies have forecast record-breaking temperatures across Belgium and Spain as well. Belgium’s IRM institute anticipates the hottest temperatures ever recorded, while Spain’s Aemet service has issued warnings of “extremely high” day and nighttime temperatures, with some regions forecast to reach 44 degrees Celsius.

This current heatwave represents the second consecutive month of unprecedented heat in Europe, following an exceptionally warm spell in May. Scientists have highlighted the growing frequency, duration, and severity of these heat events as key indicators of ongoing global climate change, underscoring the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation efforts.