Europe’s heatwave worsens as record-breaking temperatures put pressure on hospitals and prompt restrictions.

PARIS, June 26 — Europe’s ongoing heatwave has intensified, with record-breaking temperatures straining health systems, disrupting daily life and prompting a series of emergency measures across the continent.

Scientists have long warned that recurring heatwaves are a clear indicator of global warming, and say they are likely to become more frequent, longer and more severe.

Paris alcohol restrictions

French authorities have banned public alcohol consumption and sales in Paris from Friday as hospitals come under pressure from heat-related illnesses.

“We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities,” said Paris police prefect Patrice Faure, adding that hospital admissions continue to rise.

UK records hottest June day

The United Kingdom recorded its hottest June day on Thursday, with temperatures hitting 36.7°C in the southwest, surpassing a record set just hours earlier.

Germany nears record high

Temperatures in Germany reached 39°C in the southwestern town of Kirrlach, just below the June record of 39.6°C set in 2019, according to the German Weather Service (DWD). Officials warned the record could be broken over the weekend.

France funds cooling for care homes

France will allocate €50 million (US$57 million) to retirement homes to install cooling systems, said disability minister Camille Galliard-Minier.

Netherlands issues first red heat alert

The Netherlands issued its first-ever red heat warning, with forecasts of up to 40°C in some areas.

“The situation is dangerous; follow government and emergency guidance,” said the national weather institute.

Switzerland breaks June record

Switzerland recorded its hottest June temperature ever at 38°C in Basel, surpassing a 1920s-era record of 36.9°C, according to meteorological data.

Slovakia heat warnings

Slovakia issued top-level heat warnings for Saturday, with temperatures in the southwest expected to reach 38°C.

London emergency services stretched

London’s ambulance service reported its highest-ever number of “life-threatening emergencies” in a single day due to extreme heat, handling 642 critical calls including cardiac arrests.

French teachers plan strike

Teaching unions in France called for a strike, citing “unacceptable working conditions” and a lack of preparation for extreme heat in schools.

France shuts nuclear reactors

French utility EDF shut down two additional nuclear reactors, bringing the total to three, after high river temperatures affected cooling systems. Similar measures have been taken in Switzerland.

Child death in Paris suburbs

A three-year-old boy died after becoming trapped in a family car in the Paris region, following two similar fatalities earlier in the week during the extreme heat.

Heat-related deaths in Spain

In Spain, authorities estimate the heatwave may have contributed to 212 deaths between Sunday and Wednesday, according to the MoMo monitoring system, which compares mortality data with historical averages. — AFP