A deadly heatwave gripping Europe has claimed dozens of lives, shattered temperature records, and triggered emergency alerts across the continent. In France, at least 43 people—including 21 children—have drowned in seas, rivers, and lakes over the past week, according to government spokesperson Moun Bajoua. The tragedy is linked both to soaring temperatures turning much of the region into an oven and to a widespread lack of swimming ability among French children. In Marseille, for example, a local study found that 35% of children cannot swim.
Legislative Response in France
Left-wing MP Mathilde Panot announced plans to introduce a bill in the French National Assembly aimed at expanding swimming instruction nationwide. The proposed law would fund the hiring of certified swimming instructors for public schools and support the construction of new public swimming pools—addressing what officials describe as a critical gap in basic water safety education.
Red Alert Across Three-Quarters of France
France’s national meteorological service, Météo-France, announced that 72 departments—covering roughly 75% of the country—will be placed under a ‘red alert’ for extreme heat starting tomorrow at noon. This is the highest level on the agency’s four-tier warning system. An additional 17 departments will remain under ‘orange alert’. As of today, 58 departments were under red alert and 31 under orange.
Approximately 51.1 million people live in the areas set to enter red alert tomorrow—more than three-quarters of France’s metropolitan population. In total, orange or red alerts now cover 63.5 million people across 89 departments, representing over 95% of residents in mainland France. Among those in red-alert zones, an estimated 5.6 million are aged 75 or older—a particularly vulnerable group during extreme heat.
Spain Hits Historic June Temperatures
In Spain, Monday and Tuesday marked the hottest June days since national records began in 1950, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Much of the Iberian Peninsula sweltered under exceptional heat, with several locations exceeding 44°C (111°F).
Scandinavia Sounds the Alarm
Even traditionally cooler Nordic countries are sounding alarms. Denmark and Sweden have activated heat-related emergency protocols as temperatures climb well above seasonal norms—an increasingly common occurrence amid accelerating climate trends.