As temperatures soared across Germany, meteorologists warned that record highs could be surpassed. The German weather service, DWD, predicted peaks of up to 40°C (104°F) in some regions, urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
In France, the debate over air conditioning intensified. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, claimed that "air conditioning saves lives" and proposed a national plan to expand its use if elected president in 2027. Her party ally, Éric Ciotti, introduced a bill mandating cooling systems in essential public spaces.
Critics dismissed the proposals as shortsighted. Environment Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher stated that while protecting vulnerable populations from extreme heat was necessary, widespread air conditioning would worsen outdoor temperatures. Green leader Marine Tondelier accused Le Pen of reducing climate policy to "installing air conditioners," emphasizing the need for urban green spaces and better insulation in buildings.
Spain faced deadly consequences of the heatwave. Two agricultural workers were found dead near a wildfire in Catalonia, where flames consumed 6,500 hectares and forced 18,000 residents to stay indoors. Regional leader Salvador Illa warned of increasingly unpredictable blazes: "These fires evolve in terrifying ways."
Separately, a child died after being left in a car in Tarragona, with heatstroke suspected as the cause. France reported two confirmed heat-related deaths, along with 300 hospitalizations.
In Italy, authorities investigated the death of a 70-year-old truck driver in his vehicle, potentially marking the country’s first fatal case linked to the
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