Second heatwave in a month batters Western Europe as authorities impose red alerts and cancellations
Second heatwave in a month hits Western Europe, prompting red alerts in France, event cancellations, school closures and rising heat-related drownings.
Europe’s second major heatwave in as many weeks is sweeping across Western Europe, forcing authorities to declare red alerts, close schools and cancel public events to protect vulnerable populations. The heatwave has left parts of France, Spain, Portugal and Germany coping with soaring temperatures, transport disruptions and a rise in water-related fatalities. Governments and emergency services are warning residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay hydrated and check on elderly neighbours as the intense heat persists.
France places 35 departments on red alert
France has placed 35 departments on the highest level of heat alert, with officials warning that conditions will worsen and more areas could be added. The government has ordered limits on public alcohol consumption in affected zones and asked event organisers to restrict drinking at summer festivities to ease pressure on emergency services. Authorities said approximately 900 schools will remain closed on Monday as a precaution to protect students and staff from the extreme heat.
The health ministry cited the country’s limited air-conditioning penetration and dense urban heat islands as particular concerns for older people and those living alone. Officials also recalled the deadly 2003 heatwave, when some 15,000 elderly people died, urging municipalities to activate cooling plans and welfare checks for isolated residents.
Public events and alcohol limits aimed at preserving emergency capacity
Several municipalities have cancelled street concerts and outdoor gatherings where large crowds could strain rescue and medical teams. Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg have elected to keep certain festivities but under strict rules that curb alcohol sales and crowding to ensure emergency responders remain available for heat-related incidents. The measures are designed both to reduce the number of heat-intensified health emergencies and to keep roads and public spaces accessible for ambulances and other services.
Organisers and local police are coordinating to reroute large crowds from crowded venues and to increase shaded rest areas and water stations. Authorities stressed that the objective is to balance normal summer programming with public safety, particularly for those most at risk from heat exposure.
Transport networks and energy systems strained by high temperatures
Rail operators have cancelled numerous services and deployed extra staff as heat threatens tracks and overhead cabling, complicating travel across France and neighbouring countries. Energy managers are monitoring water supplies used for cooling power plants, including nuclear stations, and some systems face tighter operating margins as demand for air conditioning rises. Officials warned that infrastructure stress can lead to further disruptions if extreme temperatures persist.
Local governments have also advised commuters to expect delays, to avoid peak exposure hours and to check transport websites for updates. Emergency plans include prioritising essential services and deploying mobile cooling units where possible.
Spain and Portugal impose public screening cancellations and orange alerts
In Madrid, city officials cancelled a public broadcast of the Spain–Saudi Arabia World Cup match after issuing an orange heat alert, citing concerns about crowd safety in temperatures forecast to approach 40°C. Across Spain, 13 regions are under orange warnings, with the Basque Country elevated to red alert levels as forecasters track sustained high readings. Portugal’s meteorological service has placed several interior districts under orange warning, with some local forecasts predicting temperatures near 42°C.
Municipal leaders in southern towns described residents adapting through early-morning and late-evening activities to avoid peak heat. Health authorities urged people to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion and to use shaded, ventilated spaces where available.
Germany reports drownings and missing swimmers amid soaring mercury
As thermometers climb toward 39–40°C in parts of Germany, emergency services logged at least one fatality and several disappearances tied to recreational swimming. A 23-year-old man drowned in a lake near Rheinstetten, and police reported other swimmers missing after entering the Rhine, prompting heightened warnings about the dangers of unsupervised bathing. Authorities emphasised that open water can be deceptively hazardous during heatwaves when more people seek relief in rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
Lifeguard organisations and police urged swimmers to use supervised areas, avoid alcohol before entering the water and swim with companions. The incidents underscore a broader public safety challenge: the same heat that drives people to water also increases the risk of accidents and rescues that strain emergency responders.
Regional outlook and heightened risk for older residents
Meteorological services forecast sustained high temperatures across much of Western and Central Europe for the coming days, with the southern United Kingdom also facing unusually hot readings for June. Alerts and advisories extend into Switzerland and parts of the Balkans, while Italy remains relatively milder, with temperatures nearer 30°C in many areas. Health officials continue to highlight the elevated risk for older adults, people with chronic conditions and those without access to cool indoor spaces.
Local authorities are prioritising outreach to care homes and isolated residents, urging families and neighbours to conduct regular welfare checks. Public messaging focuses on basic but vital precautions: stay hydrated, avoid midday sun, use shade or cooling centres and follow guidance from local health services.
Reporting includes material from Agence France-Presse and The Canadian Press.
