Europe gripped by record-breaking heatwave, health systems under strain
Europe is facing an intense and widespread heatwave, with extreme temperatures sweeping across the continent. Health authorities in multiple countries have issued high-level alerts as hospitals, transport systems, infrastructure and public services come under severe pressure. Governments have introduced emergency measures, including alcohol restrictions, event cancellations and public safety advisories.
Researchers say human-caused climate change has made this week's record-breaking heatwave "unequivocally" more intense, adding that the event would not have been possible in June without climate change.
Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has warned that a new El Nino event could develop in the coming weeks, posing significant risks to global agriculture. Experts note that rising baseline temperatures driven by climate change, combined with El Nino conditions, could cause temperatures to rise further.
14:42, 27-Jun-2026