French authorities have reported 2,025 excess deaths during the final week of June following a record-breaking heatwave, as meteorologists warn that another spell of intense heat is expected to affect large parts of Europe in the coming days.
Official data showed deaths increased by 29 percent compared with the previous week. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said the rise was particularly evident among people aged 45 and older.
On June 24, France recorded its highest nationwide average temperature on record. Temperatures in Paris climbed to nearly 41 degrees Celsius, while around half of the country was placed under the highest-level red heat alert.
The figures have been released as several European countries, including the United Kingdom, prepare for another surge in temperatures this weekend.
According to BBC Weather, a large high-pressure system is developing over the Azores and extending toward Portugal and Spain. The system is expected to push temperatures higher across France and southern Britain over the weekend.
Beyond Europe, prolonged heat and high humidity are also affecting millions of people in the United States during the Independence Day holiday weekend, particularly across central and eastern regions of the country.
Climate scientists say global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide. Europe remains the fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising at roughly twice the global average, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
