Record heatwave grips Europe, disrupts travel and overwhelms hospitals
A record-breaking heatwave across Europe caused temperatures to soar to all-time highs in several countries, leading to transport disruptions, hospital strain, and at least one death linked to the extreme heat.
Europe is in the grip of an intense heatwave that shattered temperature records on Saturday from Switzerland to the Czech Republic, Germany, and Denmark. Unusually high temperatures were also recorded in Nordic countries not known for hot summers.
The Danish Meteorological Institute reported a new record of 37°C (98.6°F) in Ødum north of Aarhus, the hottest day since records began in 1874. In Switzerland, a record of 38.8°C (101.8°F) was set in Basel. Germany marked a new high of 41.5°C (106.7°F) in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, according to preliminary data from the German Weather Service. The previous record was set just a day earlier.
The heat caused significant transport disruptions. In Germany, the concrete of the A2 highway near Berlin burst due to high temperatures, forcing closure. Other road damage was reported across the country. Deutsche Bahn and other rail operators advised against all nonessential travel this weekend. The Czech Republic recorded its hottest day ever with 40.6°C (105°F) in the northern town of Doksany.
Healthcare systems are under severe strain. In the western German city of Dormagen, dozens of residents of a nursing home were evacuated due to dangerous heat reaching 35°C (95°F) inside. One resident died overnight, though the cause is not yet confirmed. In France, the Paris public hospital authority AP-HP activated an emergency plan across all 38 hospitals. Emergency departments treated nearly 3,000 patients in 24 hours, a third more than normal, with many over 75 requiring hospitalization. Calls to medical dispatch rose 80% compared to the same period in 2025.
Several cultural events were canceled or postponed: Paris Pride march was postponed and a three-day music festival canceled. In Italy, 18 cities including Venice, Florence, and Milan were under red heat alerts. In the UK, police recovered the body of a 22-year-old man from a river after he got into difficulty swimming.
A rapid study by World Weather Attribution found that such record heat would not have been possible without climate change. The heat is now 200 times more likely than 20 years ago. COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago said the heatwave strengthens the urgency of fighting climate change.
