A severe heatwave with record-breaking temperatures of up to 43°C has impacted several European countries, including Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, resulting in multiple fatalities. In Cyprus, an 84-year-old woman died from heatstroke-induced cardiac arrest after being admitted to Nicosia’s hospital. Additionally, three elderly patients remain in serious condition.

In Greece, five tourists have died within 11 days due to the extreme heat. Dr. Michael Mosley was found dead on Symi Island after hiking on June 5. Other casualties include an American tourist on Mathraki, a Dutch tourist on Samos, and a French tourist on Crete. Samos rescue teams continue searching for two missing French women on Sikinos Island. Authorities have closed major tourist attractions like the Acropolis in Athens and advised people to remain indoors between 11 am and 3 pm. The Greek Met Office forecasts a temporary drop in temperatures, followed by a return to seasonal averages.

The Greek Meteorological Service highlighted the severity of the heatwave, noting it as the earliest in the 21st century. Forecasters predict this extreme weather as a potential sign of future climatic trends.