The record-breaking heatwave that gripped much of Europe in late June resulted in more than 1,300 excess deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

French health authorities reported around 1,000 additional deaths than expected in the country during just three days of the extreme conditions, with the majority among people aged 65 and older. Daily death rates in France rose sharply from a typical 900 to 1,000 in prior months to over 1,200 on one day and above 1,400 on the following two days. Officials noted a 40 percent increase in deaths occurring at home and warned that the total would likely rise with further data from care facilities.

Temperatures shattered national records in several countries as the heat moved eastward. Germany recorded 41.7 degrees Celsius for the third consecutive day at one station near the Polish border. Poland set an all-time high of 40.5 degrees Celsius, while the Czech Republic reached 41.1 degrees Celsius, the first time the country measured above 41 degrees in its official network. Other areas saw highs exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, affecting transport, power systems, and public health services.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on social media that more than 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded since June 21 linked to the high temperatures. He described heat stress as a silent killer and noted that many European homes, workplaces, and schools were not designed for such conditions. The organization highlighted that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average.

The heatwave, which began around June 20, also led to increased drownings as people sought relief in rivers and lakes, with at least 74 such deaths reported in France. Infrastructure faced strain, including reduced rail services in parts of Germany and temporary shutdowns at nuclear facilities due to high river temperatures.

By early September, cooler weather had long since returned to the region, but the event underscored ongoing challenges with extreme summer heat across the continent.