Europe is currently in the grip of an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to levels rarely seen this early in the summer. Spain has set a new national June record of 46°C in the town of El Granado, near the Portuguese border. The heatwave is not just affecting Spain—countries like Portugal, France, and Greece are also experiencing dangerously high temperatures, sparking health warnings and increasing wildfire risks.
Over the weekend, the small Spanish town of El Granado, near the Portuguese border, set a new national June record when temperatures soared to a blistering 46 degrees Celsius (about 114°F).
Spain’s state weather agency, AEMET, officially confirmed the milestone, surpassing the previous June high of 45.2°C set in Seville in 1965.
But Spain is not alone. Portugal, Italy, Greece, southern France, and even parts of the Balkans are all experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures routinely topping 40°C (104°F).
In Portugal, forecasts suggested Lisbon could see highs of 42°C (about 108°F), while other towns like Beja and Évora could reach 43°C (109°F).
Italy’s southern cities, including Naples and Palermo, registered 40°C over the weekend, and Florence hit 39°C earlier in the week.
Even after sunset, the heat persists. In southern Spain, nighttime lows remained above 30°C (86°F), making it difficult for people—especially the elderly and those with health conditions—to recover from the day’s scorching temperatures.
“When it doesn’t cool down at night, our bodies can’t recover from the heat of the day,” explained a local health official.
Health Risks and Emergency Measures
With the heatwave showing no signs of relenting, health warnings have been issued across southern Europe. In Italy, emergency rooms have seen a surge in heatstroke cases, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, cancer patients, and the homeless.
Hospitals in Naples and Bologna have set up special pathways for heatstroke patients, including cold water immersion and climate shelters equipped with air conditioning and drinking water.
In Rome, Milan, and Naples, 21 out of 27 monitored cities were placed under the highest heat alert by the Italian Health Ministry.
Tourists sought shade near famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public fountains to cool down. Street vendors provided lemonade to both locals and visitors, offering much-needed refreshment.
The intense heat and dry conditions have sharply increased the risk of wildfires. Southern France, Greece, and Portugal have all seen outbreaks, with authorities scrambling to contain the flames.
In France, more than 150 firefighters battled a blaze in Bizanet alone, with helicopters deployed to help. The fire, reportedly sparked by a barbecue, burned over 400 hectares of land and forced evacuations.
Greece’s civil protection agency declared the highest fire danger level for large parts of the country, with major wildfires already reported south of Athens and on the island of Chios.
“The combination of heat and wind is a perfect recipe for disaster,” said a Greek fire official.
How Communities Are Coping
Local authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay indoors during peak heat, wear light clothing, and drink plenty of water.
In France’s Marseille, public swimming pools have been opened free of charge to help residents cool off. Similar measures are in place in other cities across southern Europe.
Climate Change and the New Normal
Experts are clear: these extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. “Between 1975 and 2000, Spain only had two heatwaves in June.
From 2000 to 2024, there were nine,” said a meteorologist from AEMET. Scientists point to a weakened jet stream, which causes high-pressure systems to stall over the region, prolonging the heat and making it more severe.
“Southern Europe is the fastest-warming region on the continent, and these heatwaves are a direct result of that warming,” said a climate scientist. “We need to prepare for more of these events in the future.”
The heatwave is not limited to southern Europe. Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and even the UK are experiencing unusually high temperatures for this time of year.
London is forecast to reach 35°C (95°F) on Monday, which would be the hottest day of the year so far. Germany’s weather service has issued heat advisories for southern and western regions, predicting temperatures could peak at 39°C (102°F) by Wednesday.
Quote of the Day
“There is no wind, a lot of humidity, we are sweating, and I’m suffocating at night,”
— Alejandra Echeverria, a 40-year-old Mexican tourist visiting Venice, Italy, speaking to AFP on Saturday.
As the heatwave continues, authorities are urging everyone to stay informed, check on vulnerable neighbors, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during peak heat. The message from experts is clear: these extreme events are not just a summer story—they are a climate emergency. With more frequent and severe heatwaves expected, the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect communities has never been greater.
