Deadly Heatwave Sweeps Europe, Kills Dozens, Forces Night Harvests

Western Europe experienced a deadly record-setting heatwave on Wednesday. Dozens of deaths were reported, schools closed early, trains slowed, electricity was knocked out, and farmers harvested grain at night.

In France, which recorded its hottest day in nearly 80 years, authorities sought to restore power to thousands of homes affected by the power cuts in Brittany. The temperature peaked at 44.3 degrees Celsius in Pissos.

Italy’s health ministry issued a highest heat alert for 16 cities, including Florence and Milan. Britain issued only the second extreme-heat weather warning in history, with hundreds of schools shut or closing early due to high temperatures posing risks even to healthy people.

At least 48 people died in France from drowning while seeking respite from the heat, two young children died in a car from heat exposure, and two elderly people died of heatstroke in Spain. Temperatures eased slightly on Wednesday.

A rare weather pattern known as an Omega block caused record-breaking temperatures across Europe, up to 18 degrees Celsius above normal. This phenomenon traps intensifying heat over regions for extended periods with cooler weather on the fringes.

Meteo-France compared the conditions to a 2003 European heatwave that lasted 16 days and caused an estimated 80,000 excess deaths. Fashion shows in Paris were affected, with models showcasing creations by Pharrell Williams. Retailers struggled to meet demand for fans and portable air-conditioners.

In Britain, train operators advised only essential journeys due to speed restrictions, while construction contractors altered working hours to avoid the worst heat. Farmers introduced night shifts for harvesting to protect workers from afternoon heat and fire risk.