Heatwave excess deaths top 1,000 in Spain as US, Europe brace

2026-07-01

Spain deaths top 1,000

Spanish health authorities said on Tuesday that excess deaths linked to June's high temperatures had topped 1,000, far above normal levels, as the country was hit by a heatwave. AFP reported that France's public health agency also estimated excess deaths at about 1,000 since June 24. Deaths were also reported in Germany, Belgium and eastern Europe, taking the total across Europe above 2,000.

EU warns of a repeat this summer

Although more areas had passed their peak by Tuesday, forecasts also point to the heatwave returning in Europe. A European Commission official in the European Union said the same day that the heatwave could 'recur this summer' and outlined a plan to present comprehensive measures by year-end. The bloc will encourage heat-resistant design in new buildings and renovations, and is also considering the use of EU funds. It also plans to promote the development of heat-resistant building materials and crops, and to market European technology globally.

Air conditioner penetration is low in France, and some local governments restrict installations to protect the landscape. The EU official described air conditioners as 'a necessary tool' and urged member states and local authorities to take a flexible approach, including easing regulations. At the same time, the official said it was also important to review urban planning, including building designs that block sunlight and the creation of green spaces, and said the EU would work with member states on countermeasures.

Dangerous heat in the eastern US

In the US as well, high temperatures were observed across a wide area from the Midwest to the East on Tuesday, with heat warnings and advisories issued for Washington and New York City. The National Weather Service said a dangerous heatwave would hit the Midwest and the East through the weekend. In many areas, highs were expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius, while in the Northeast, humidity could push the heat index to 37 to 46 degrees Celsius.

Amanda Reinhart of the NOAA Weather Prediction Center said the latest extreme heat was caused by a heat dome, as in Europe. A high-pressure system aloft traps warm air near the surface, driving temperatures higher across a broad area.

This weekend in the US, events tied to Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the country's founding will continue, mainly in Washington, while matches in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup are also scheduled in Pennsylvania and New Jersey on the 4th and 5th. Reinhart urged participants to take thorough precautions against heat illness, saying people are more likely to fall ill when their bodies are not yet accustomed to extreme heat. New York City issued a historic extreme-heat emergency plan on the 29th and opened hundreds of cooling centers, including public hospitals and libraries. Washington has also set up free cooling centers and is asking residents to stay indoors as much as possible.

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