More than 1. 300 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe since 21 June, linked to an unmatched heatwave, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) — Germany hit a record 41.7C on Sunday, with temperatures continuing to rise across the continent. The extreme heat has caused widespread disruptions, including school closures and transportation delays.

Record Temperatures and Rising Death Toll

On Sunday morning. France’s national health ministry reported approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday, though many of the extra fatalities are among those aged 65 or over, with a 40% increase in the number of people dying at home. The WHO has warned that Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average.

According to preliminary data, Germany recorded 41.7C in the eastern region of Coschen near the Polish border on Sunday. This marks the third consecutive day of record-breaking temperatures in the country. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic set its second temperature record in two days, with 41.1C recorded in Doksany, north of Prague.

Heat Warnings and Public Health Concerns

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the dangers of heat stress, which he described as the ‘silent killer.’ He noted that many European homes, workplaces, and schools are not built to withstand such extreme temperatures. The organization urged governments to take immediate action to protect vulnerable populations.

In the United Kingdom, an amber heat warning has been extended until 09:00 BST on Sunday for the South East. The Met Office reported that cooler air is expected to arrive by the second half of the weekend, but the South East will retain the warmth the longest. The previous red heat warning ended at 21:00 BST on Friday, after three consecutive days of extreme heat.

Temperatures in the UK exceeded 36C in some areas, with Friday confirmed as the hottest June day on record. The extreme conditions led to road and rail disruptions, with passengers urged to avoid non-essential travel. Schools and nurseries were forced to close, and hundreds of flights at Gatwick and Heathrow were delayed due to thunderstorms.

Broader Impacts and Future Outlook

The Czech Republic’s meteorological institute CHMI said it expected the heat to peak on Sunday, with heavy storms forecast for western areas later. Tedros warned that millions of people across Europe are currently living under extreme heat, with hundreds having already died.

As the heatwave continues to move east, governments and public health officials are being called on to implement measures to protect citizens, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The WHO emphasized the need for long-term climate adaptation strategies to address the increasing frequency and intensity of heat events.