Southern Europe heatwave is currently sweeping the region with record-breaking temperatures hitting above 45 degrees Celsius in Spain and Portugal. This extreme weather event has forced emergency measures in Italy and Greece as officials respond to rising health dangers and increasing wildfire threats.
On Sunday, Spain set a new June temperature record when the national meteorological agency Aemet reported 46 degrees Celsius in El Granado, located in southern Andalusia. Cities such as Seville approached similar heat levels, prompting authorities to issue heat warnings and international travel advisories.
In Portugal, authorities placed two-thirds of the country under maximum heat and wildfire alerts. Lisbon recorded temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius, and emergency services prepared for potential evacuations and firefighting efforts. Tourist areas remain closely monitored, with ambulances on standby.
Italy is facing comparable conditions. Twenty-one out of twenty-seven major cities are under the highest heat alert. In regions including Lazio, Tuscany, and Puglia, outdoor work is banned during peak sunlight hours. Hospitals introduced special treatment routes to quickly address heatstroke cases. Trade unions are calling for such protective measures to be implemented nationwide.
Greece continues to battle several active wildfires. One fire south of Athens has seen 130 firefighters deployed alongside helicopters and planes. On the island of Chios, a woman was arrested for suspected accidental arson after flames burned brush and pasture for three days. Firefighters evacuated several residents as a precaution.
Meteorologists link the Southern Europe heatwave to a persistent ridge of high pressure over central and western Europe. Chris England, meteorologist for Sky News, explained this system traps heat near the surface. The situation is worsened by high sea surface temperatures and dry land conditions.
The Alps region has also experienced unusual warmth. Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, recorded zero degrees Celsius on Saturday. This is the highest temperature ever measured in June at nearly 5,000 meters altitude, according to French media outlet Le Parisien.
In France, the city of Tours announced school closures during the hottest hours on Monday and Tuesday. This decision responds to growing concerns about children’s health as temperatures in central France are expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius.
Across the Balkans and Mediterranean coasts, authorities are preparing for continued high temperatures into the coming week. Forecasts indicate little relief overnight, which raises the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Medical authorities in affected countries urge people to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable individuals.
Although not directly affected by the southern heatwave, the United Kingdom faces an amber heat health alert. Southern England is expected to reach mid-30s Celsius by Tuesday, prompting health agencies to monitor infrastructure strain and vulnerable populations.
Experts continue to connect these extreme heat events to long-term climate change. Research shows that heatwaves in Europe are becoming more frequent and intense. Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, scientists warn such dangerous heatwaves will become more common and severe.
