These heat waves, occurring over the last several decades, have caused the greatest number of deaths, according to world meterorological organizations.
Deadliest Heat Waves

1
In this 2003 file photo, the Ibardin lake in southern France was almost dry due to a heat wave that killed 71,000 people, making it the most deadly heat wave in the world to date.

2
A heat wave in Russia in 2010 left more than 55,000 people dead.

3
In 2006, Europe had about 3,418 deaths directly attribed to the heat wave.

4
In 1998, about 2,541 deaths in India were attributed to the heat wave.