LONDON — Health authorities across several regions continued to track rising numbers of heat-related illnesses on Friday as an intense early-summer heatwave affected parts of Europe and prompted emergency warnings, hospital alerts and public health measures.
Officials in the United Kingdom, France and other European countries reported increased demand for medical services linked to extreme temperatures, including cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The warnings came as record or near-record June temperatures were recorded in several countries this week, according to national meteorological agencies and health authorities.
In England, several National Health Service hospitals declared critical incidents amid a surge in heat-related admissions and disruptions to cooling systems and medical equipment. Hospital officials said elderly patients and other vulnerable groups were among those most affected by the extreme conditions. The London Ambulance Service also reported a sharp increase in emergency calls during the heatwave, according to British media reports.
The UK Health Security Agency maintained red heat-health alerts across much of England this week, warning that the heat posed risks not only to vulnerable individuals but also to the broader population. “A severe heatwave could have impacts beyond health and social care,” the agency said in its latest advisory.
In France, public health officials reported a sustained increase in emergency-room visits and medical consultations associated with heat-related conditions. According to Santé publique France, daily emergency visits for illnesses linked to extreme heat rose significantly after the heatwave intensified in mid-June. Authorities said the event had become one of the most severe heat episodes recorded so early in the year.
The broader heatwave has also contributed to other health and safety incidents. Reuters reported that dozens of drowning deaths were recorded in France and Germany as people sought relief from high temperatures, while authorities across Europe urged residents to limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours.
In the United States, public health agencies continued to monitor heat-related illnesses through surveillance systems that track emergency department visits and other indicators. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said extreme heat remains one of the leading causes of weather-related illness and death and urged residents in affected areas to follow local heat advisories.
The World Health Organization has described heat stress as a major public health hazard and warned that exposure to extreme heat can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory and other underlying medical conditions.
As of Friday, heat alerts remained in effect across parts of Europe, and health authorities said monitoring efforts would continue while elevated temperatures persist. Officials in several countries urged residents to stay hydrated, seek cooler environments and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
