A major heatwave is scorching Southern Europe, pushing temperatures above 40°C (104°F) in Italy, Spain, and Greece. Authorities are on high alert, issuing warnings about the increased risk of wildfires. This extreme weather is linked by experts to climate change, with the frequency and intensity of such events predicted to rise in the region.
In Portugal, two-thirds of the country is under high alert for extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures in Lisbon expected to soar past 42°C (107°F). Italy has responded by planning to ban outdoor work during peak heat hours in several regions, a move supported by trade unions seeking nationwide implementation. The Italian Health Ministry has placed 21 cities on its highest heat alert, impacting popular tourist destinations.
Tourists and residents alike are seeking refuge from the heat. Scenes of people seeking shade near iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in Rome are common, along with the increased sales of refreshing drinks. Similar scenes are unfolding in Milan and Naples.
Greece, also under a high wildfire alert, is experiencing the start of its first summer heatwave. A significant wildfire near Athens has prompted evacuations and road closures, highlighting the immediate dangers posed by the extreme conditions. Firefighters, planes, and helicopters are battling the blaze, with authorities evacuating several areas.
Spain is also experiencing intense heat, with temperatures reaching 42°C (107°F) in Seville and other southern and central locations. The country’s meteorological service, Aemet, predicts June will be the hottest on record. Health alerts and safety advice are being widely disseminated.
The intense heat poses significant risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like the elderly and children. Authorities are urging people to limit physical activity during the hottest parts of the day and stay well-hydrated. A recent Lancet Public Health study underscores the alarming increase in heat-related deaths linked to climate change, projecting a more than fourfold increase by mid-century under current climate policies. While cold-related deaths currently outweigh heat-related deaths, the study emphasizes that rising temperatures will negate the benefits of milder winters, resulting in a net increase in heat-related mortality.
