PARIS : An international team of researchers said rising temperatures are accelerating evaporation, intensifying drought conditions and increasing the risk of wildfires, even in areas where rainfall has not fallen significantly.

The scientists found that the probability of severe soil drought has increased fivefold in Western Europe and 11-fold in Eastern Europe compared with historical levels. They attributed the trend to a warmer atmosphere, which absorbs more moisture and makes droughts more intense.

The findings come as France reported 5,764 deaths during a severe heatwave that lasted from June 17 to July 2, 2026. Nearly half of the fatalities occurred over just three days, between June 25 and 27, marking the country’s highest heat-related death toll since the historic 2003 heatwave.

The latest figure exceeds the 5,700 heat-related deaths recorded across the summer of 2025, according to final data released by France’s National Health Service.

French authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as hot, dry winds are forecast to strengthen later this week, raising concerns over soaring temperatures, parched vegetation and an elevated risk of wildfires.

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