Schools have closed in France, 12 Italian cities are on red alert and parts of Europe have reached 42C as a slow-moving weather system traps Saharan heat over the continent

A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has left at least 18 people dead in France, including two young children found inside a car, while parts of France and Spain have recorded historic temperatures as the “Omega block” weather system grips the continent.

France has closed or adjusted schedules at schools, Italy has issued red alerts in 12 cities, and Britain’s national weather service has warned that the UK could break its June temperature record later this week.

In south-western France, Bordeaux reached 41.9C on Monday, June 21, breaking the record set last August, while Poitiers recorded 41.2C, surpassing a high that had stood since 1947. In northern Spain, San Sebastián was expected to reach 40C, far above the seasonal average for the region.

A report published in April by the World Meteorological Organization, WMO, had already warned that Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, making it the fastest-warming continent.

Two children die inside car in southern France

One of the most tragic incidents was reported in south-eastern France, where two children, aged two and four, were found unconscious inside the family car outside their home.

Emergency services were unable to revive them, according to the prosecutor in the Carpentras area. The exact circumstances remain under investigation, but the deaths occurred as France was experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures in several areas approaching or exceeding 40C.

In the Bordeaux region, three elderly people, aged between 80 and 95, died over the weekend from health problems linked to the heatwave, local authorities said.

France warns of drowning risk as people seek relief in water

French authorities have urged people to swim only in supervised areas after 13 drownings were recorded from Sunday to Monday.

Officials have warned that extreme heat increases the risk of accidents in rivers, lakes and the sea, as more people enter the water in search of relief. Last year, drownings in France rose sharply during heatwaves, underlining the danger that comes with sudden exposure to cold or unsupervised water.

What is the ‘Omega block’?

The heatwave affecting much of Europe is linked to a weather pattern known as an “Omega block”. In this system, a mass of hot air becomes trapped over a large area, while cooler air remains around its edges. The pattern gets its name from its resemblance on weather maps to the Greek letter omega.

The current system is drawing hot air from North Africa and the Sahara into Europe, while its slow movement means temperatures remain high for several days.

Climate researcher Claire Barnes of Imperial College London said the system was bringing warm air from North Africa and the Sahara, with very little wind to offer relief. She also warned that heatwaves and storms are becoming more intense as climate change drives higher temperatures and heavier rainfall events.

Britain could break its June heat record

The UK Met Office has issued an extreme heat warning, with temperatures forecast to rise above 39C later this week. That would break Britain’s June record of 35.6C, first set in 1957 and matched in 1976.

Britain had already recorded historically high temperatures in May, only weeks before the current heatwave. Forecasters have warned that the latest hot spell could bring serious pressure on public health, transport and essential services.

In Paris, temperatures were expected to reach around 38.4C, according to preliminary data from Météo-France, with the possibility of a new June record.

Italy issues red alerts as heat strains power networks

In Italy, red alerts have been issued for 12 cities as the heatwave continues. In Turin, authorities have reinforced the electricity grid after power outages hit parts of the city.

Extra staff shifts have been introduced and additional generators installed as rising demand for air conditioning places pressure on local infrastructure.

The effects of the heat are also being seen in Belgium and other parts of Europe, where authorities and wildlife groups have reported increased mortality and serious pressure on birds. Species such as swallows, sparrows and wagtails are particularly vulnerable because rooftop temperatures can reach 50C to 60C, causing exhaustion and death among young birds nesting under tiles and eaves.

The latest heatwave has brought together the main risks scientists have long associated with Europe’s warming climate: longer periods of extreme heat, higher overnight temperatures, pressure on public services, more accidents in water, and mounting danger for vulnerable people and wildlife.