Extreme Heat Grips Europe, Hospitals Brace for Health Emergencies

Hospitals across Europe have gone on high alert as an unprecedented heatwave grips the continent, overwhelming emergency services and prompting authorities to roll out emergency measures to protect public health.

France has banned public alcohol consumption in Paris after officials warned that hospitals in the capital were nearing capacity due to a surge in heat-related illnesses. “We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities,” Paris police prefect Patrice Faure said, adding that the number of hospitalisations continues to rise.

The scorching temperatures have affected vast swathes of Europe, with more than 101 million people experiencing temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. Health authorities in France and the United Kingdom reported a sharp rise in emergency calls and hospital admissions, particularly among the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Paris recorded 25 cardiac arrests within 24 hours on Wednesday, compared with fewer than 10 on a typical day. Nationwide, France has seen emergency room visits for heat-related conditions increase fourfold. In the UK, the London Ambulance Service reported its busiest day for life-threatening emergency calls since the heatwave began.

The soaring temperatures have also claimed lives. French authorities said at least three deaths in the Pas-de-Calais region were likely linked to the heat, while a three-year-old boy died after being left inside a parked car near Paris. Two other children died in similar incidents earlier this week. In Spain, officials estimated that 212 deaths between Sunday and Wednesday were associated with the extreme heat, while Italian media reported five heat-related fatalities, including farmworkers and a construction worker.

The heatwave has disrupted transport and public life across the continent. Germany cancelled several outdoor events and warned of possible rail disruptions due to the risk of wildfires and thunderstorms. Switzerland registered its hottest June day on record at 38 degrees Celsius, while the Netherlands issued its first-ever red heat warning.

Climate experts attributed the prolonged heat to a “heat dome” that trapped hot air from North Africa over Europe. UN climate chief Simon Stiell said the extreme temperatures bore “the fingerprints of the climate crisis,” warning that heatwaves would become more frequent and severe unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced.

Although temperatures are expected to ease across western Europe from Friday, eastern parts of the continent remain under red alerts as forecasters warn that the intense heat will persist into the weekend.