WHO reports over 1,300 excess deaths in Europe during heatwave.

On Sunday, the World Health Organization announced that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe since June 21, linked to the record‑breaking heatwave affecting much of the continent.

Tens of millions of people have endured a weekend of extreme temperatures as the deadly heatwave moves eastward, with several countries reporting increasing death tolls and health services warning of saturation.

French health officials reported on Sunday morning that the country had experienced roughly 1,000 excess deaths since Wednesday.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on X that across Europe, more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21, linked to high temperatures.

He added that heat stress is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ and that European homes, workplaces and schools are not designed for such temperatures.

According to AFP estimates, at least 191 million people in Europe are expected to experience temperatures of 35 °C or higher on Sunday, with the heat especially intense in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.

Analysis that combines forecasts from the German Meteorological Service and 2025 population projections from the Joint Research Centre, compiled by the Austrian NGO Klimadashboard, indicates that 381 million people in Europe—excluding Turkey—will experience temperatures above 30 °C.

Tedros warned that millions across the continent are currently “living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling”.

He said that, driven by climate change and global warming, the ‘once-in-a-generation’ heatwave is now occurring nearly annually, noting that “Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average.”

The WHO chief added that the United Nations health agency is working with its Member States and partners to address the health threats posed by extreme heat by focusing on preparedness, prevention and stronger health system responses.

He urged European countries to implement heat health action plans as part of efforts to safeguard health amid climate change.

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