Europe has recently been hit by an unusually severe and extreme heatwave, with temperatures continuing to break historical records across multiple countries. France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain have all issued red heat alerts, while governments and transport authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors.
France’s meteorological agency reported that the national average temperature has reached its highest level since records began in 1947. In cities such as Paris, temperatures have soared to between 39°C and 41°C, with more than 90% of the population exposed to extreme heat conditions. Over the past five days, around 40 people have drowned in France, prompting authorities to warn of a sharp rise in heat-related water accidents. The Eiffel Tower was also closed early for safety reasons.
The heatwave is also severely disrupting infrastructure and daily life across Europe. In Italy, 16 cities including Rome and Milan have issued red alerts. The surge in air-conditioning use has driven electricity demand sharply higher, causing blackouts in some areas. Hospitals in Parma have recorded more than 1,000 emergency cases linked to heat stress within three days.
Experts say Europe, one of the fastest-warming regions in the world, is increasingly experiencing longer and more intense heatwaves due to climate change. The United Nations and climate scientists have warned that such extreme weather events are likely to worsen further.
At the same time, a surge in demand for air conditioners has emerged. Historically, Europe has had low air-conditioning penetration due to its mild climate, but extreme temperatures have triggered a buying frenzy. French retailer Carrefour reported a thousand-fold increase in daily sales of air conditioners and fans, while online platforms have also seen sharp rises.
Commentary:
For a long time, Europe has enjoyed a relatively mild climate, with low reliance on air conditioning and urban designs that were never built for extreme heat. As temperatures exceed 40°C, infrastructure and public services are rapidly coming under strain. However, policy responses remain largely reactive, focusing on short-term emergency measures rather than long-term urban planning and energy transition strategies.
As extreme weather events continue to intensify, Europe—and the world more broadly—must rethink how cities are built, how energy systems are transformed, and how societies can maintain basic resilience in the face of a deepening climate crisis.