A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has claimed four lives—two in Spain and two in France—while triggering forest fires, hospitalizations, and widespread infrastructure disruptions.

The extreme temperatures also forced Switzerland’s Axpo energy company to shut down a reactor at the Beznau nuclear power plant and reduce output at another due to overheated river water used for cooling.

Record Temperatures and Heat Alerts

Spain and France recorded their hottest June temperatures in decades, with parts of France—including Paris—placed under the highest-level heat alerts. On Tuesday, southern and central France saw temperatures soar past 41°C, while Paris reached 38°C. Authorities in France confirmed 300 heat-related hospitalizations alongside two fatalities.

Similarly, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany reported unprecedented heat levels. Germany anticipated Wednesday would mark the hottest day of the year, with forecasts for Frankfurt reaching 40°C before cooling slightly in the coming days.

Emergency Responses and Infrastructure Impact

In Germany, emergency services rescued 48 passengers trapped inside a regional train after it broke down in Lower Saxony on Tuesday. The failure of the air conditioning system amid the soaring heat led to overheating inside the carriages. Five passengers were treated for dehydration and circulatory problems.

Meanwhile, over 2,200 schools in France shut down on Tuesday due to the heat, though only about 135 remained closed on Wednesday as temperatures slightly decreased.

Climate Change and Long-Term Risks

Researchers link the intensifying frequency and severity of heatwaves to human-driven climate change, citing greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrial activity as key contributors. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization warned that such extreme events will become “more frequent and intense,” urging global adaptation to what it called a “silent killer.”

The European Centre for Medium-Term Climate Forecasts said June 2025 could be among the five hottest Junes ever recorded across the continent.

Looking Ahead

While Western Europe braces for a brief cooling period with incoming Atlantic thunderstorms, high temperatures are expected to persist in Spain and Italy through the weekend. The UN has urged countries to develop stronger climate resilience strategies, emphasizing that worse heatwaves are likely in the future.