Europe remains trapped in an extreme heatwave, with scorching temperatures continuing to affect millions across the continent. Several countries are reporting heat-related fatalities as the blistering conditions persist for yet another day — with highs exceeding 35°C in many regions.
According to AFP calculations, at least 193 million people across Europe — including 75 million in Germany — are expected to experience temperatures above 35°C today. Overall, maximum temperatures are projected to surpass 30°C for more than 404 million residents across Europe (excluding Turkey), a slight decrease from yesterday’s figure.
France Hit Hardest
France has been the hardest-hit country so far, with the death toll climbing to 55. Unprecedented temperatures — once considered unimaginable just a few years ago — are now being recorded across the UK, straining hospitals operating under emergency protocols and overwhelming public buildings lacking air conditioning.
The French meteorological service, Météo-France, expects red-level heat alerts to end tomorrow evening, Sunday, 28 June 2026, following 13 downgrades earlier today. As of its latest bulletin, 37 French departments remain under the highest-tier heat warning.
Despite widespread swimming bans due to safety concerns, people across France have flocked to lakes and rivers to cool off amid soaring temperatures — a scene captured in recent social media posts by AFP.
Tragic Child Fatalities
In southern France, an 18-month-old baby was found dead inside a parked car at the parking lot of a university hospital in Marseille, according to a statement released yesterday by the institution to AFP. The exact date of death was not specified.
On Monday, two children — aged two and four — were discovered deceased inside their family’s vehicle in a residential parking area in Carpentras, also in southern France. A three-year-old child died on Wednesday after being left alone inside a car during the heatwave.
Swiss Record and Nuclear Plant Shutdown
Switzerland recorded its highest-ever June temperature on Friday, 26 June 2026: 38.8°C in Basel — breaking the previous record of 38°C set in the same city just one day earlier.
In response to the extreme heat, Switzerland’s Beznau nuclear power plant suspended operations on Friday to prevent overheating of river water used to cool its two reactors, the energy group Axpo announced. In France, three nuclear reactors have also halted operations for similar reasons.