Belgium experienced a sharp spike in mortality during the late June heatwave that swept across western Europe, with provisional data from the country's health ministry showing 1,222 excess deaths between 18 and 29 June — a 39% increase above the expected baseline. More than half of those who died were aged 85 or older, underscoring the particular vulnerability of elderly populations during extreme heat events.
“Such a level of excess mortality during a heatwave is unprecedented in our country,” the ministry said in a statement. The figures cover a period when temperatures in parts of Belgium and neighbouring countries soared above 40°C, placing severe strain on emergency services and hospitals.
France Also Reports Significant Rise in Deaths
The Belgian data came as Public Health France announced a 29.1% increase in deaths across France during the week of 22 to 28 June compared to the previous week. That translates to 2,025 additional deaths over the period. The sharpest regional increases were recorded in Île-de-France, which includes Paris, where deaths rose by 62.8%, and in Pays de la Loire, up by 62%.
The French figures are consistent with the broader pattern seen in Belgium and elsewhere, as the heatwave pushed temperatures to extreme levels across much of the continent. In France, the heatwave also contributed to wildfires in the south, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists. Southern France wildfires forced the evacuation of 3,000 people as the heatwave persisted.
Heatwave Returns to Europe
Meteorologists warn that hot weather is set to return to the continent in the coming days, with temperatures in the mid-30°C range possible in parts of France moving into next week. Belgium is expected to see slightly cooler conditions, with highs of 26°C and 27°C forecast for Sunday and Monday, but the respite may be brief.
The repeated heatwaves have prompted renewed calls for climate adaptation measures across Europe. The European Union has been pushing a holistic cooling strategy to help member states cope with rising temperatures, focusing on green infrastructure, early warning systems, and better protection for vulnerable groups. The EU is pushing a holistic cooling strategy as heatwaves test Europe's resilience.
Unprecedented Mortality in Belgium
The Belgian health ministry’s statement emphasised that the 39% excess mortality rate during the June heatwave is without precedent in the country. Previous heatwaves, such as the one in 2003 that killed tens of thousands across Europe, did not produce such a high relative increase in deaths over such a short period. The ministry is now analysing the data to understand the specific causes of death and to identify any gaps in the public health response.
In Brussels, policymakers are shifting focus to climate adaptation after the deadly heatwave. Brussels is shifting focus to climate adaptation after the deadly heatwave, with discussions underway about improving urban cooling, expanding green spaces, and ensuring that hospitals and care homes are better prepared for extreme heat events.
The heatwave also had knock-on effects on energy infrastructure and agriculture. In Portugal, more than 1,000 firefighters were mobilised to combat wildfires fuelled by the dry, hot conditions. Portugal mobilised over 1,000 firefighters as heatwave fuels wildfires, highlighting the interconnected challenges that extreme heat poses across the continent.
As Europe braces for further heatwaves this summer, the data from Belgium and France serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of rising temperatures. Public health officials urge governments to accelerate adaptation measures and to ensure that early warning systems reach the most vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
