2022 European heatwaves
From June to August 2022, persistent heatwaves affected parts of Europe, causing evacuations and a confirmed death toll of 24,501. However, upper estimates suggested more than 61,000 heat-related deaths between 30 May and 4 September. These heat waves were the deadliest meteorological events in 2022. The highest temperature recorded was 47.0 °C (116.6 °F) in Pinhão, Portugal, on 14 July.
A temperature anomaly map in Europe for July | |
| Type | Heatwave |
|---|---|
| Areas | |
| Start date | 10 June 2022 |
| End date | 12 September 2022 |
| Peak temp. | 47.0 °C (116.6 °F), recorded at Pinhão, Portugal on 14 July 2022 |
| Losses | |
| Deaths | 24,501-61,672 |
| Damages | €19 billion |
In June 2022, temperatures of 40–43 °C (104–109 °F) were recorded in parts of Europe, with most severe temperature anomalies in France, where several records were broken.
A second more severe heatwave occurred in mid-July, extending north to the United Kingdom where temperatures surpassing 40 °C (104 °F) were recorded for the first time. The heatwaves were part of climate change in Europe.
A third heatwave began in August with parts of France and Spain expected to reach temperatures as high as 38 °C (100 °F). A prolonged hot period also hit the United Kingdom.
Although temperatures in most places in Europe subsided in August, a smaller heatwave impacted France on 12 September, with temperatures reaching 40.1 °C (104.2 °F).
As a result of the heatwaves, widespread droughts occurred across the continent.
Eurostat reported that the European Union saw 53,000 excess deaths in July, some of which may have occurred because of the heat wave. The excess death rate was several times higher than in July 2020 or July 2021, a statistic notable due to the COVID-19 pandemic having taken place in Europe during those years. The worst increases were seen in Spain and Cyprus.