A severe heat wave intensified across central and eastern Europe on Saturday, resulting in record-shattering temperatures throughout Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Denmark. Even the Nordic regions, which typically experience milder summers, faced unprecedented heat; Denmark’s Meteorological Institute logged a record 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in Ødum, marking the highest temperature recorded there since tracking began in 1874. Meanwhile, Basel, Switzerland, set a new city record with temperatures reaching 38.8 C (101.8 F).
Germany’s infrastructure faced significant strain as temperatures climbed toward 40 C (104 F). High heat caused the concrete on the A2 highway to buckle, leading to forced closures in two locations near Berlin. The German publication Bild reported similar damage to road networks throughout the nation. Deutsche Bahn and other rail operators issued warnings against nonessential travel, stating that the country’s transport systems were suffering under the extreme conditions. In Dormagen, authorities were forced to evacuate a nursing home after indoor temperatures rose to 35 C (95 F), though a resident passed away overnight; a spokesperson for the city noted it remains uncertain if the heat was the primary cause of death.
In the Czech Republic, the northern town of Doksany recorded 40.8 C (105.4 F), the hottest temperature in the country’s history, with forecasters warning that conditions could potentially worsen. France continued to manage the fallout of the heat, with multiple eastern towns reaching record-breaking highs. Although the number of regions under extreme red-zone alerts dropped from Thursday’s peak of 72 to 37 on Saturday, hospitals in Paris remained under intense pressure. Public emergency rooms reported a patient influx approximately one-third higher than average, and the city’s hospital authority activated emergency response plans across its 38 facilities. Medical call volumes surged by 80% compared to similar periods in 2025, leading to the cancellation of major public events including a music festival and a Pride march.
While France’s public health director, Nicolas Revel, expressed hope that improved medical treatments would prevent a repetition of the 15,000 deaths seen during the 2003 heat wave, he acknowledged that further fatalities are likely. In the United Kingdom, where an amber heat alert remained effective through Saturday night, the country saw its hottest June day on record Friday, with a provisional high of 37.3 C (99 F) in eastern England. Police confirmed two more deaths, bringing the U.K.’s week-long heat-related death toll to four, as officials reiterated warnings against swimming in unregulated bodies of water.
Italy’s health ministry placed 18 major cities, including Venice, Florence, and Milan, under red alert as tourists sought respite near fountains and in the shade. Tourists and locals alike relied on traditional cooling methods like gelato and cold drinks to cope with the sweltering heat. Meanwhile, a scientific study by World Weather Attribution concluded that the current extreme temperatures and humidity would have been nearly impossible five decades ago. COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago emphasized that the intensity of the heat wave underscores the urgent necessity for global action on climate change, noting that experiencing such conditions in London serves as a stark reminder of the current environmental crisis.
