Two children die in France as heatwave grips Europe

A severe heatwave blanketing Europe has led to the tragic deaths of two young children in France, found unresponsive in a car in the southern town of Carpentras. The youngsters, aged two and four, are believed to have succumbed to the extreme temperatures, which have seen parts of France reach up to 43C.

The sweltering conditions have prompted authorities across the continent to issue health alerts and enact emergency measures. In France, where 54 of the 96 mainland departments are on the highest heat alert, over 1,350 schools have been closed. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was scheduled to hold a crisis meeting to address the situation.

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Overwhelming, very overwhelming. For someone who is not used to being in the street, going without a shower, without food, it is a little bit tough. The heat outside is very intense.

Scientists emphasize that these recurring heatwaves are a clear indicator of global warming, predicting they will become more frequent, longer, and more intense. France's average temperature for June has already broken records, surpassing the previous high set in 2025. The national weather service, Meteo-France, has expanded its red alert to cover more than half the country, affecting approximately 39 million people.

Elsewhere in Europe, Spain's capital Madrid experienced temperatures of 40C, leading the city hall to establish a "climate refuge" offering water, food, and hygiene facilities for homeless and vulnerable individuals. Tourists in the southern hotspot of Cordoba, also reaching 40C, found streets largely deserted as people sought refuge from the intense heat. The extreme weather has disrupted outdoor events, transport, and daily life across affected regions.

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It feels horrendous. The heat right now is really, really, really bad.