London, en.SERU.co.id — Europe is facing its third significant heat wave of the summer, with the World Health Organization cautioning that more challenging days lie ahead as a new system builds over the Atlantic.
According to Reuters, temperatures in Portugal and southern Spain are forecast as high as 43°C in the coming days. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said during an emergency call with representatives from 41 countries that governments need to step up preparations for the next heat wave.
“Countries with heat-health action plans in place responded more quickly and protected their populations better during the June heat wave. However, less than half of WHO’s European member states had such a plan,” Kluge said, as reported by Reuters on July 7, 2026.
Record Heat and Death Toll
The June heat wave stood out for its intensity and scale. France recorded its hottest day since measurements began in 1947, with temperatures reaching 44.3°C in Pissos. Spain saw readings as high as 45.1°C in Andújar and Montoro, and many other countries broke national or monthly records.
Initial estimates from The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) linked the late-June heat wave to more than 1,300 excess deaths. However, newer analyses released on July 7 suggest the cumulative toll across Europe may already have exceeded 9,796 deaths.
Germany accounted for around 5,000 deaths, followed by France with 2,025, Spain with 1,029, Belgium with 1,222, and the Netherlands with about 480. These figures are still preliminary and are expected to rise further.
Scientists from World Weather Attribution concluded that the extreme temperatures would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change. Europe is currently the fastest-warming continent, making severe heat waves increasingly frequent.
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This latest wave follows a similar pattern driven by a persistent “heat dome” — a high-pressure system that traps warm air. Forecasters say such conditions could keep returning through the summer, raising the risk of wildfires and further strain on infrastructure.
Kluge stressed the need for better protection for vulnerable groups, including care home residents, the homeless, and isolated older adults.
“The work now is on two fronts: fixing what failed in recent weeks before the next heatwave hits and building the kind of health systems that don’t just respond to extreme heat but are ready for it,” he said.
Air conditioning remains uncommon in many European homes, which has sparked fresh discussion about long-term adaptation to a warmer climate.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to issue alerts as forecasts develop. Residents are advised to follow local guidance, stay hydrated, and check on neighbors during periods of intense heat.
*(Sources: Reuters, The Weather Channel, New York Times, Wikipedia, World Meteorological Organization and World Weather Attribution reports)
