At least four people have died as a relentless heatwave continues to scorch most of Europe, fueling wildfires and pushing emergency services to the brink. France and Spain have reported two deaths each, linked to extreme temperatures and fast-moving fires.
Over the past few days, much of Europe has been gripped by a unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring between 39°C and 42°C. The searing heat has led to wildfires, health emergencies, and widespread disruption across France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Turkey, and Switzerland.
Smoke rises from a wildfire over the fields of Torrefeta i Florejacs vile, near Lleida, Spain July 1, 2025. Press service of Agents Rurals/Handout via Reuters
In France, where June was the hottest month since records began in 1900, two people have died from heat-related causes and more than 300 have been hospitalized. Temperatures remained dangerously high on Wednesday.
In Spain, also enduring record-breaking heat, two people lost their lives in a wildfire that broke out in Catalonia. Firefighters are battling multiple blazes across the country as dry conditions and gale force winds fuel the flames.
Germany recorded temperatures of 40°C, setting a new national heat record. Italy, meanwhile, issued red alert warnings for 18 cities including Rome, Milan, and Florence, warning citizens to stay indoors.
A woman uses a fan during a heatwave, in Seville, Spain, July 2, 2025. REUTERS/Claudia Greco TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The heatwave’s impact extended to energy infrastructure. In Switzerland, utility company Axpo was forced to shut down one reactor at the Beznau nuclear power plant due to high river water temperatures.
In Greece, wildfires broke out in several areas including near the town of Marathon earlier on Wednesday, and in Halkidiki, prompting evacuations.
Turkey is also grappling with uncontrolled wildfires, intensified by the extreme weather which have forced thousands out of their homes.
