Heatwave forces Europe curbs as June records fall

A heatwave gripping Western Europe pushed Britain and Switzerland to new June temperature highs on Thursday, while authorities tightened public-safety measures and warned of rising health risks.

The early-summer event has been linked to dozens of deaths across the region, alongside disruptions to power supplies and interruptions to daily life including school closures and the shutdown of cultural sites.

Public health warnings intensify as hospitals feel pressure

French officials urged residents to change routines to avoid overheating, as emergency services prepared for more heat-related cases. French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said an increase in people seeking treatment at emergency wards was only beginning.

In Paris, police announced additional restrictions aimed at reducing risks in public spaces. The head of the Paris police said drinking alcohol in public would be prohibited from Friday at midday, as hospitals in the capital dealt with patients affected by the heat.

Authorities have repeatedly advised people to limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbours. Such guidance typically targets older adults, those with chronic conditions, and people exposed to heat through work or inadequate housing.

Paris nears 40C again after setting a June record

Paris remained under intense heat after the city recorded a new June high on Wednesday of 40.9 degrees Celsius (105.6 degrees Fahrenheit). On Thursday, temperatures again approached 40C, with a peak just under that level at Parc Montsouris in the city’s south.

While the report did not list which landmarks closed, officials across affected areas have moved to reduce crowd exposure and keep indoor spaces safe. Heatwaves can also strain transport systems and increase medical demand, particularly when high temperatures persist overnight.

France’s latest actions underscore how cities are increasingly using temporary restrictions to manage extreme heat. Limiting alcohol consumption outdoors is intended to reduce dehydration risks and lower the chance of public disorder during periods of exceptional heat.

UK records fall as red heat alerts extend into Friday

Britain also registered record-breaking conditions for June. The Met Office said temperatures in southwest England reached 36.7C on Thursday, provisionally setting the country’s hottest June day on record and surpassing a mark established only a day earlier.

The Met Office extended a red heat alert into Friday for a large part of southern England. The agency said it was the first time red warnings had been issued for three consecutive days, highlighting the sustained severity of the episode.

Elsewhere in the region, the Netherlands issued a similar red warning for Friday, reflecting broader concerns about heat impacts across Western Europe. Red-level heat alerts generally signal a heightened risk of serious illness or death, even among healthy people, and can prompt closures and service changes.

With the heatwave already linked to fatalities and service disruptions, officials are emphasizing prevention as temperatures remain elevated. The next key test will be whether emergency departments see the surge authorities anticipate, and how long the extreme conditions persist across multiple countries.