Two people have died in France due to the extreme heatwave sweeping across Europe, while nearly 300 others have been hospitalized for heat-related illnesses, according to French authorities.
In Switzerland, the soaring temperatures have led to the shutdown of a nuclear reactor at the Beznau power plant. The heat caused river water temperatures to rise, making it impossible to cool the reactor efficiently and safely.
France’s Minister of Energy, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, confirmed the fatalities and expressed concern over the growing number of heat-related injuries. She noted that June 2025 has been the hottest June in France since 2003.
Meanwhile, Italy has placed 18 cities under red alert for extreme heat, and Turkey is battling widespread wildfires as the region suffers from severe weather conditions.
Meteorologists have described this heatwave as “exceptional” for its intensity and early arrival in the European summer season. In France, temperatures are expected to peak at 39°C, with cities like Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon, Grenoble, and Avignon ranging between 34°C and 38°C. While central France remains on high alert, the western parts may see some cooling, with heavy rainfall and storms likely to impact the eastern regions.
In Switzerland, the energy company Axpo also reported a reduction in output at another nuclear facility to avoid operational risks due to overheated river water, further illustrating how climate conditions are directly affecting Europe’s infrastructure and public health.
