A severe heatwave that swept across Western Europe has been linked to thousands of excess deaths, with health authorities in France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands reporting sharp increases in mortality during the period of extreme temperatures.
In France, the public health agency reported at least 2,000 more deaths during the week of June 22-28 compared with the previous week.
The country experienced its hottest days on record on June 24 and 25, with more than 40 percent of the country recording temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
Spain`s Carlos III Health Institute estimated that 937 deaths in June were associated with extreme heat.
The national weather agency AEMET said June was Spain`s second-hottest on record, with average temperatures 3.2 degrees Celsius above normal and highs exceeding 40 degrees Celsius during a five-day heatwave.
Belgium`s public health institute Sciensano estimated 1,747 excess deaths between June 18 and July 1.
The institute described the June 2026 heatwave as exceptional because of its intensity and widespread impact.
The country`s highest temperature reached 35.5 degrees Celsius on June 26.
In the Netherlands, public health authorities estimated 480 excess deaths during the June heatwave, with the highest increases recorded in the eastern and southern regions, where temperatures were most extreme.
The country also registered its hottest June temperature on record at 36.8 degrees Celsius, surpassing a record that had stood since 1947.
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