Europe Heatwave Kills Over 10,000

Exceptionally early and intense heat across Europe in May and June appears to have caused a sharp spike in deaths, with more than 12,000 excess deaths recorded across nine countries.

National statistics showed that excess mortality surged in late June when parts of the continent experienced record temperatures.

The extreme weather also triggered deadly thunderstorms and wildfires, with firefighters in Spain struggling to contain a blaze that ripped through an area the size of San Francisco.

Researchers warned the final toll could yet rise as more data become available.