Forty people have drowned in France since last Thursday alone, as a punishing heatwave grips much of Europe. The deaths, mainly young people heading to rivers and reservoirs to cool off, have prompted warnings from the French government that “it’s not something to be taken lightly, going swimming in unsupervised areas during a heatwave.” The extreme temperatures, which have pushed thermometers past 40°C in parts of Spain and placed more than half of France on red alert, are a stark reminder that heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer and more intense across the continent.
A heatwave is a prolonged period of unusually hot weather, often with high humidity. In Europe, the current event has hit France, Spain and Italy hardest. France recorded its hottest June day ever on Tuesday, with an average temperature of 29.8°C, and its hottest night (minimum 21.6°C) the day before. Spain’s state weather service Aemet issued red alerts for 44°C in southern Andalusia and for 40°C in the normally temperate northern regions of Cantabria and the Basque Country. Italy declared red heatwave alerts in 15 cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin and Venice – a level that signals conditions can pose health risks even to healthy adults.
“Explains the European heatwave, its causes, and UK travel advice.”
The underlying cause is climate change. Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Aemet meteorologist Rubén del Campo noted that “heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer and appear outside the traditional window of July and August.” In mainland Spain, ten June heatwaves were recorded between 2000 and 2025, compared with just two in the previous 25 years. Over the last four years, more than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes, most of which were preventable, the World Health Organisation’s Europe office reported this month.
For UK readers, the immediate impact is on travel. The Foreign Office has issued updated advice for anyone travelling to Spain, Portugal or France, warning of serious health risks from extreme heat and the danger of wildfires. The Travel Health Pro website lists dehydration, overheating and heatstroke as key concerns. Many homes in France lack widespread air‑conditioning, and schools, trains and sporting events have been disrupted. The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) also reported fatal drownings as temperatures are expected to reach 40°C in parts of Germany. If you are heading to Europe, check warnings from national weather services and follow local guidance, especially around swimming in unsupervised waters.
Q: Why are so many people drowning during a heatwave? People are trying to cool off in rivers, canals and reservoirs that may be unsupervised and have hidden dangers like strong currents or sudden depth changes. In France, a 13‑year‑old girl who couldn’t swim drowned in the River Seine, and a young footballer is in critical condition after being pulled from the River Rhône in a park near Lyon where swimming is banned.
Q: What is a red heatwave alert and what should I do? A red alert is the highest level, indicating exceptional heat that poses health risks even to healthy people, not just the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. You should avoid going out during the hottest hours, stay hydrated, keep your home cool, and check on vulnerable neighbours. In Spain, red alerts can also mean extreme wildfire danger.
Q: How does the UK heatwave compare to what’s happening on the continent? While the UK has been bracing for its hottest June day on record, the temperatures in southern Europe are much higher – 44°C in parts of Spain. The UK is not under the same red alerts, but British tourists in affected countries should follow local advice and be aware that heatwaves can cause serious health problems even for fit and healthy people.
What happens next depends on the weather systems. The heatwave is expected to peak this week, with Spain forecasting 44°C on Tuesday. France’s red alerts cover more than half the country, and Italy’s alerts are set to continue. The Foreign Office says tourists should monitor official warnings from Aemet in Spain, Meteo France in France, and the European Meteorological Services. With climate change making such events more common, experts warn that this pattern of extreme heat is here to stay.