WHO Issues Urgent Warning as Europe Faces Another Extreme Heatwave
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that more deadly weeks lie ahead as Europe braces for another extreme heatwave, with temperatures in Portugal and southern Spain forecast to reach 43C this week. The alert comes after more than 2,000 excess deaths were recorded in France alone in June following two unprecedented record-breaking heatwaves.
Dr Hans Henri Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, convened an emergency call on extreme heat with over 130 representatives from 41 countries as the next heatwave builds over the Atlantic. He stressed that heat-health action plans save lives but noted that not even half of European Region Member States have such plans in place.
Gaps in Preparedness and Response
Dr Kluge highlighted critical gaps identified by countries, including that many people do not recognise they are at personal risk even when a Code Red is activated. Other gaps include the need for more cooling facilities and better awareness of their locations, especially for homeless people, and the importance of making healthcare infrastructure climate-resilient.
“Some countries still face procedural delays in formally declaring heatwaves, which can slow down public health action. Across the Region, long-term care residents, homeless people and socially isolated older adults are still not being reached consistently,” Dr Kluge said.
Rising Death Toll in France and Belgium
In France, deaths rose by 29% in the last week of June compared to the week before. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist reported a “clear increase” in deaths among those over 45. Belgium recorded 1,222 excess deaths during the heatwave—39% more than usual—with almost half being people aged 85 and over.
Now parts of Europe, including the UK, are bracing for more searing temperatures from this weekend. BBC Weather forecasts heat climbing across France and southern Britain. Europe is the fastest warming continent, heating up twice as fast as the global average.
Countries Taking Action
Dr Kluge cited examples of countries with effective heat-health action plans. Italy’s mortality surveillance system, active in 45 cities, provides near real-time data to decision-makers. Spain worked directly with media to improve heat-health risk communication. Austria activated its updated plan, implemented workplace heat-protection regulations, and coordinated national and regional structures.
In Belgium, the highest alert phase was triggered for only the second time since 2020. France demonstrated how cross-sector coordination reduced pressure on the health sector. North Macedonia partnered with Red Cross and Red Crescent teams to reach people without permanent housing.
“These examples matter because they are replicable. The tools exist. The evidence base is strong. When plans are in place and tested before a crisis, they save lives,” Dr Kluge concluded.
