Europe heatwave latest: Spain reports 1,029 heat deaths; Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Austria see record temperatures
Europe's record-breaking heatwave is gradually losing intensity, but it continues to grip large parts of eastern and southern Europe, leaving a trail of record temperatures
Europe's record-breaking heatwave is gradually losing intensity, but it continues to grip large parts of eastern and southern Europe, leaving a trail of record temperatures, excess deaths, power outages, water shortages, wildfires and severe storms. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution said the heatwave was the most severe ever recorded in Europe and would have been "virtually impossible" in June without human-caused climate change. More than 95 million people still face extreme heat While the number of people exposed to temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius has fallen from around 190 million on Sunday and 130 million on Monday, more than 95 million people were still forecast to endure such temperatures on Tuesday. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What are the main effects of the recent heatwave in Europe? ⌵ The recent heatwave in Europe has caused record temperatures, excess deaths, power outages, water shortages, wildfires, and severe storms in affected regions. 2 Why is Europe's heatwave considered the most severe ever recorded? ⌵ Scientists from the World Weather Attribution have stated that this heatwave would have been 'virtually impossible' in June without human-caused climate change, marking it as the most severe in recorded history. 3 How many excess heat-related deaths were reported in Spain during June? ⌵ Spain reported 1,029 excess heat-related deaths in June, the highest since 2015, as temperatures rose significantly above normal for that month. 4 What measures are being taken in Hungary to cope with extreme heat? ⌵ In Hungary, authorities have imposed water-use restrictions in over 120 municipalities and urged residents to conserve water due to unprecedented temperatures. 5 What challenges does Europe face regarding the implementation of air conditioning in homes? ⌵ Europe faces challenges with air conditioning due to infrastructural limitations, regulations on noise and aesthetics, and environmental concerns over increased energy consumption. Nearly two in five Europeans were expected to experience temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, with eastern and southern Europe remaining the worst-hit regions.
Spain records over 1,000 heat-related deaths as June becomes second hottest on record Spain recorded 1,029 excess deaths linked to extreme heat in June, official data showed on Wednesday, after a five-day heatwave pushed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) across much of the country. According to the Health Ministry's daily mortality monitoring system, MoMo, this was the highest number of heat-related deaths recorded in June since 2015. Spain's national weather agency, AEMET, said average temperatures during June were 3.2 degrees Celsius above normal, making it the country's second-hottest June on record, behind only June 2025. At the peak of the heatwave on June 23, around 35.7 million people, or 73% of Spain's population, were exposed to health risks from extreme heat. Of those, 38% faced high-risk conditions. Hungary breaks all-time heat record Hungary recorded its hottest temperature ever after the mercury reached 42C in Szecseny, surpassing the previous national record of 41.9C set in 2007. Budapest also registered a record 41C. Authorities imposed water-use restrictions in more than 120 municipalities as reservoirs came under pressure. Prime Minister Peter Magyar urged residents to conserve water, avoid non-essential uses such as washing cars and watering lawns, and instructed government employees to work from home where possible while outdoor work schedules were adjusted. Slovakia sets new national record twice Slovakia first recorded 41C in Turna nad Bodvou on Monday before raising the national record to 41.3C in Kamenica nad Hronom on Tuesday. Several towns imposed water consumption restrictions, while cities including Nitra faced drinking water shortages requiring tanker deliveries. Ukraine imposes emergency power cuts In Ukraine, temperatures of 35C-38C placed further strain on an electricity network already weakened by more than four years of Russian attacks. Authorities ordered emergency power outages for homes and industry, warning that further cuts would continue. Sergii Kovalenko said the damaged grid was already operating at the limits of its capacity as repair work continued during the summer.
The BriefWire