On June 22, 2025, authorities in the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands issued health warnings as a powerful early summer heat wave affected northern Europe. According to the UK Met Office, temperatures were expected to reach up to 34°C in eastern England on Saturday, which is around 12°C above the average for this time of year. France recorded even higher figures, with forecasts of up to 38°C in western and southern regions. These unprecedented temperatures led to an amber heat-health alert in England from the UK Health Security Agency, especially warning people aged 65 and above, as well as those with heart and lung conditions. France’s national weather agency also issued a warning, saying that the extreme heat puts even healthy people at risk. In the Netherlands, adjustments were made to major public events, including Amsterdam’s 750th celebration.

The current heat wave has already affected outdoor activities. In Paris, visitors to the Paris Air Show took shelter under a Boeing 777 due to the intense heat. Some concerts and marathons in the Netherlands were cancelled to protect both participants and equipment. Experts have linked this heat wave to climate change, highlighting the acceleration of global warming and its devastating consequences. New research by the Met Office indicated that temperatures over 40°C in the UK are now over 20 times more likely than in the 1960s. These findings serve as a compelling reminder of the need for resilience and stronger climate strategies. Governments were urged to prioritize long-term planning to prevent future health risks caused by extreme weather conditions.