A late-June heatwave that pushed temperatures across parts of Europe to record highs is believed to have caused more than 4,000 excess deaths across several Western European countries, according to preliminary national figures.
France recorded 2,025 additional deaths — a nearly 30% increase — during the week beginning 22 June, at the peak of the country's record-breaking heatwave.
Belgium saw a 39% increase in mortality, amounting to 1,222 additional deaths, between 18 June and 29 June. Belgian authorities said this represents the highest daily death toll in the country since the first wave of the coronavirus.
The Netherlands recorded around 480 additional deaths in the week of 22–28 June, with the highest impact among those aged 80 and older, coinciding with record temperatures approaching 40°C.
Spain's Carlos III Health Institute reported at least 1,028 heat-related deaths, more than double the 407 recorded in June 2025.
Authorities stress that the figures remain preliminary. France’s national public health agency, Santé publique France, has warned the true death toll is “probably an underestimate”.
As soaring temperatures are expected to return, governments are now under pressure to respond.
Belgium’s Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke tasked the country's Risk Management Group to draft recommendations by early next week to strengthen preparedness, the Brussels Times reported.
France's opposition politicians, in the meantime, criticised the government's response to extreme heat. On Thursday, the Greens filed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government, arguing it had failed to adequately prepare the country for rising temperatures.
