At least 250 dead as heatwave rages with red alerts issued | World | News

At least 250 people have died in heat-related incidents across Europe as this week’s heatwave continues to soar temperatures. Temperatures have soared above 40 degrees, repeatedly breaking records in countries such as France and Spain, driven by a rare weather pattern known as the “Omega block” that creates a dome of warm, stagnant air over the continent. In the UK, the record for the hottest June day has reportedly been broken for a second consecutive day, with 36.4C provisionally recorded in Yeovilton, Somerset, early on Thursday.

Spain has been the country with the heaviest human loss so far. The country’s Carlos III Health Institute (via the MoMo death tracking system) reported 212 deaths attributable to high temperatures in just a four-day period (June 21-24). Temperatures in Spain on Monday exceeded 45C for the first time this year; 45.1C was recorded in Andújar, in the southern region of Andalusia.

France recorded its warmest day since records reached a staggering 44.3 degrees in the southwest.

The government reported a tragic increase in drownings, with at least 48 people killed since June 18; People, especially young people, struggled to escape the stifling heat on uncontrolled rivers, lakes and seas.

Emergency responders in the Paris suburbs also reported a huge increase in heat-triggered medical emergencies, with more than 25 cardiac arrests treated in a single night compared to the normal average of less than five.

According to the World Health Organization, heat has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people in the EU and related countries in the last 4 years.

Summer heatwaves between 2020 and 2024 led to more than 10,000 premature deaths, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

The red heat-health alert is in place and has been extended by the UK Health Safety Agency. Covering the South West, South East, London, East of England, West Midlands and East Midlands until 23:00 on Friday 26 June.

UKHSA Head of Extraordinary Events and Health Protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa said: “Very hot weather is expected across much of England in the coming days and we are calling on health and social care services across the country to be prepared. It is vital that people understand the risk posed by such high temperatures and take steps to keep themselves, their friends, family and neighbors safe.”

“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life even for healthy populations, but simple actions such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference. It is also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbors, and people with underlying health conditions, to ensure they are aware of the forecast and follow the necessary advice.”

A red warning for extreme heat is currently in force until 11.59pm covering the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, South West England, Wales and the West Midlands. Another red alert was issued until 21:00 on Friday.

The warning states: “The heatwave affecting large parts of England and Wales will continue on Friday. The focus of Friday’s highest temperatures is likely to shift towards east and south-east England, where maximum temperatures in the shade could exceed 36 Celsius, perhaps rising to 38 Celsius in some places. However, after another very hot night, the high probability of a strike is expected to be in this Red warning zone on Friday.”

“Heat will also be accompanied by high humidity, further increasing the potential for discomfort and adverse health effects, with very hot and humid nights also reducing people’s ability to recover throughout the night.

“There is likely to be significant disruption to daily life and the public should make every effort to take precautions and, where possible, adapt their daily routines to cope with these temperature levels, which have so far been extremely rare for the UK.”