Europe Heatwave WHO Warns of More Deadly Weeks Ahead
The WHO has warned that another intense heatwave could affect Europe in the coming days.
Europe Heatwave risks are rising again as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that another spell of extreme temperatures could bring “more deadly weeks” across parts of the continent.
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The WHO said a new heatwave is developing over the Atlantic and could affect several European countries in the coming days. Forecasts show temperatures in Portugal and southern Spain could reach 43°C (109°F).
WHO Calls for Urgent Action
WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge held an emergency meeting with representatives from 41 countries, the European Commission and civil society organisations.
He urged governments to act quickly before the next heatwave arrives. He said countries with heat-health action plans responded faster during the June heatwave and better protected vulnerable communities.
However, fewer than half of the WHO’s European member states have adopted such plans.
June Heatwave Caused Major Damage
Experts described the June 20–28 heatwave as the most severe ever recorded in Europe.
The extreme temperatures disrupted power generation, damaged infrastructure and placed heavy pressure on healthcare systems across several countries.
Scientists said climate change almost certainly drove the unusually intense heat.
Thousands of Excess Deaths Reported
France, the Netherlands and Belgium recorded about 3,700 excess deaths during the recent heatwave.
Authorities said the figures remain preliminary and could increase as more data becomes available.
Temperatures reached 40°C in several parts of Europe during the extreme weather event.
Vulnerable Groups Face Higher Risks
Hans Kluge said many vulnerable people still lack adequate protection during periods of extreme heat.
He highlighted care home residents, homeless people and socially isolated older adults as groups facing the greatest risk.
Kluge urged governments to improve emergency preparedness and strengthen healthcare systems to cope with future heatwaves.
He said countries must learn from recent failures and build long-term resilience against increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
