Air Conditioners Sell Out as Europe Battles Deadly 'Omega' Heatwave

Portable air conditioners and electric fans are selling out across Europe as residents scramble to escape soaring temperatures.

In a viral Instagram video, creator @adri_ryes shared that he had to carry a portable air conditioner up five flights of stairs to his Paris studio apartment while battling the sweltering heat, highlighting the lengths many are going to stay cool.

The rush comes as Europe is gripped by the "Omega" heatwave, caused by an Omega block, a high-pressure weather system that traps hot air over the continent. Temperatures have climbed above 40°C in parts of France, Spain and Italy, with Paris recording 40.9°C, its hottest June day on record.

The extreme heat has disrupted daily life across France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the UK, forcing school closures, affecting public transport and prompting health warnings.

With only around 20% of European homes equipped with air conditioning, many residents have been left struggling to cope.

The heatwave has also turned deadly. French health authorities estimate around 1,000 excess deaths linked to the extreme temperatures, while at least 18 people have died directly from heat-related causes, including two children who were left in a hot car.

Spain has also reported heatstroke fatalities, while dozens have drowned after entering rivers, lakes and the sea in an attempt to cool off.

Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, warning that prolonged heatwaves such as this are likely to become more common across Europe.