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A record-breaking heat wave across Europe has resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread disruption, prompting emergency measures in schools and renewed calls for long-term adaptation to extreme temperatures.
In France, authorities reported at least 55 deaths by drowning during the ongoing heatwave, with officials warning that the number could still rise. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said the situation remained critical, noting that many of the incidents involved people swimming in rivers, lakes and other unauthorized water areas as they attempted to escape extreme heat.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said earlier in the week that around 40 deaths had been recorded since June 18, many of them linked to risky attempts to cool off during the unusually high temperatures.
Across Europe, multiple countries have reported record or near-record temperatures, with prolonged periods of extreme heat affecting large populations. Scientists warn that the combination of high temperatures and humidity is increasing the risk of heat stress, a condition that can lead to dehydration, organ failure and death.
The extreme conditions have also severely affected the education sector. Thousands of schools across France were forced to close temporarily during peak heat periods, while many that remained open struggled to maintain safe learning conditions.
Most school buildings in the country were not designed for prolonged heat exposure and lack adequate air conditioning. Teachers and school staff reported classroom temperatures reaching levels considered unsafe for children, forcing shortened lessons or early dismissals in some cases.
Education unions have warned that conditions have become “unacceptable,” calling for urgent improvements in school infrastructure to cope with increasingly frequent heat waves.
In response to the crisis, French state-owned utility Electricite de France (EDF) announced an €80 million emergency investment plan to improve cooling conditions in educational facilities.
The program will provide schools, nurseries, and daycare centers with cooling equipment such as fans, misting devices, and air conditioning units. According to EDF, more than 100,000 pieces of equipment will be distributed across over 10,000 institutions by the end of September 2026.
Half of the funding will go toward immediate equipment provision, while the remaining funds will support additional cooling upgrades through 2027, with individual facilities receiving grants of up to €10,000.
EDF CEO Bernard Fontana said the initiative aims to provide both immediate relief and longer-term resilience as extreme heat events become more frequent.
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