WASHINGTON — A blistering heat wave has gripped large parts of the United States and Europe, contributing to hundreds of deaths as temperatures shattered records in late June 2026.
Public health authorities reported more than 1,300 excess deaths linked to high temperatures across Europe since around June 21, according to the World Health Organization. France alone recorded around 1,000 additional deaths during the peak of the heat wave last week, its public health agency said, with many involving older people.
Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in parts of France, Spain, Italy and Germany, breaking June records. In France, dozens of drownings occurred as people sought relief in waterways, authorities said. Spain reported over 200 heat-linked deaths in preliminary assessments.
In the U.S., extreme heat affected millions, particularly in the South, Midwest and parts of the West, with heat advisories in place for tens of millions. While specific nationwide death tolls for the current wave were not immediately available, health officials have warned of risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those without access to cooling.
Meteorologists attributed the European event to a persistent high-pressure system, with climate scientists noting that human-caused warming made such extremes more likely and intense.
Governments activated emergency measures, including school closures, event cancellations and public warnings. Power demand surged for air conditioning, straining grids in some areas, while transport services faced disruptions from heat-related infrastructure issues.
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to compile full casualty figures and monitor health impacts. Cooling trends are expected in parts of Western Europe, but risks persist in affected regions.
