PARIS (Web Desk) – A powerful heatwave continued to sweep across large parts of Europe on Monday, prompting authorities to issue red alerts, close schools and urge residents to take precautions as temperatures climbed to unusually high levels.
In France, officials reported that three people had died from health complications linked to the extreme heat. Authorities also announced that nearly 2,700 schools would either close temporarily or adjust their schedules to protect students and staff from soaring temperatures.
French weather agency Meteo France placed dozens of regions under red heatwave warnings, with temperatures in the southwestern city of Bordeaux expected to exceed 42 degrees Celsius. Health officials warned that the hot conditions could persist for several days, increasing risks for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children and those with existing medical conditions.
The heatwave has also intensified in Spain, where the national weather agency Aemet issued a red alert for parts of the country. Temperatures in the northern city of San Sebastian were forecast to reach around 40 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the seasonal average.
Meteorologists said many areas were experiencing temperatures between five and ten degrees above normal for this time of year, while some northern regions recorded even greater departures from historical averages.
Nighttime conditions have offered little relief for residents in several Spanish provinces. In some areas, temperatures remained above 25 degrees Celsius overnight and did not fall below 30 degrees in certain locations, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and placing additional strain on energy systems.
Climate monitoring data showed Europe experiencing some of the most significant temperature anomalies globally, with average daytime temperatures remaining well above long-term norms. Experts have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to broader climate trends affecting many parts of the world.
The extreme conditions have not only affected people but also wildlife. Animal rescue centres across parts of Europe reported a sharp rise in the number of animals requiring treatment due to heat stress and dehydration.
Wildlife experts in Belgium said birds such as swifts, swallows, sparrows and starlings have been particularly vulnerable because many nest beneath rooftops, where temperatures can become dangerously high during heatwaves. Rescue shelters reported receiving large numbers of birds and other animals suffering from the effects of the extreme weather.
Authorities across the continent have advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak heat hours and regularly check on elderly relatives and neighbours.
As Europe faces another period of record-breaking temperatures, governments and climate experts continue to stress the importance of long-term adaptation measures to cope with increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
