Heatwaves are becoming a permanent feature of European summers, with frequency doubling in the 21st century compared to the previous one.
Record temperatures exceeding 40°C are now common in non-Mediterranean regions, including the UK, France, and Germany.
The 2003 European heatwave caused roughly 70,000 deaths, underscoring the severe public health impact of extreme heat.
Adaptation strategies, such as climate shelters, improved hospital cooling, and urban greening, are now essential for future safety.