An intense heatwave sweeping across Europe has left dozens of people dead, with an estimated 150 million residents enduring temperatures exceeding 35°C, raising serious concerns over public health and environmental damage.
The extreme weather has affected large parts of southern and central Europe, prompting authorities to issue heat alerts and urge vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children and those with underlying health conditions, to remain indoors and stay hydrated.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned that the prolonged heatwave is likely to have “major impacts” on human health, agriculture and ecosystems. The agency said soaring temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, place immense pressure on healthcare systems and heighten the likelihood of droughts and wildfires.
Health experts have also highlighted the growing toll of extreme heat on cardiovascular health.
According to estimates, nearly 500,000 heart-related deaths are recorded globally each year as a result of exposure to excessive heat, with prolonged periods of high temperatures significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular complications.
Several countries have activated emergency response measures, including opening cooling centres, restricting outdoor work during peak heat hours and strengthening medical services to cope with rising cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Scientists have repeatedly linked the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming more common and more severe.
Meteorologists say the current heatwave is expected to persist in several parts of Europe over the coming days, with authorities urging the public to follow safety advice as temperatures remain dangerously high.
