In brief
A severe heatwave is gripping southern Europe, with temperatures projected to soar beyond 40°C over the weekend, prompting health and fire warnings across Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal. Emergency services are on high alert for heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations, while local authorities urge residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours.
Southern Europe is currently under the grip of an unprecedented early heatwave, with temperatures set to exceed 40°C in various regions this weekend. Countries affected include Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal, with Seville, Spain, expected to soar to a staggering 42°C. The intense heat is being exacerbated by hot air moving across the Balkans from North Africa, creating highly unusual conditions for this time of year as such extreme temperatures typically occur in July and August.In response to the rising temperatures, emergency services in Spain are gearing up to manage a potential wave of heatstroke cases, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. In Italy, officials have advised residents in major cities including Rome, Milan, and Venice to remain indoors from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This comes as many celebrities gather in Venice for a high-profile wedding, raising concerns about public safety amid the heat.France has issued orange heat alerts—its second-highest warning level—for several southern regions as it continues to endure a prolonged heatwave. In Marseille, local authorities have opened municipal swimming pools free of charge to help residents cope with the extreme conditions. Meanwhile, England is also bracing for higher temperatures over the weekend, with yellow and amber alerts in place as forecasts predict the mercury may reach up to 32°C. The heatwave has already triggered wildfires in certain areas, particularly in Greece, where coastal towns near Athens faced destructive blazes that necessitated evacuations. While linking individual weather events directly to climate change can be complex, scientists note that such heatwaves are becoming progressively more common and intense. According to experts at World Weather Attribution, heatwaves in June featuring three consecutive days of temperatures above 28°C are now ten times more likely to occur than in the pre-industrial era, underscoring the significant impacts of climate change.
