Southern Europe is facing another extreme heatwave, with temperatures climbing above 104°F (40°C). Countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal are experiencing dangerous heat levels, prompting alerts and safety measures from local authorities.
In many areas, temperatures are breaking seasonal records. Experts have warned that climate change is making such heatwaves more frequent and more intense. As the hot weather continues, so do the warnings about health risks and growing threats of wildfires.
In Portugal, more than two-thirds of the country was placed on high alert for heat and wildfires over the weekend. Lisbon faced temperatures reaching 107°F (42°C). Officials urged people to avoid outdoor work during peak heat hours and stay indoors whenever possible.
Italy is also struggling with record heat. Five regions — Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria — have considered limiting outdoor work during the hottest part of the day. Trade unions have asked the national government to apply these rules across the country to protect workers from heatstroke and exhaustion.
On Sunday, Italy’s Health Ministry put 21 of the 27 main cities on red alert. Major tourist spots like Rome, Milan, and Naples were among the hardest hit. In Rome, people used umbrellas, drank water from public fountains, and looked for shade near landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Similar scenes unfolded in Milan and Naples, where vendors sold lemonade to help people cool down.
Greece remained on high alert as well, expecting its first major summer heatwave to continue through the weekend. Wildfire risk was especially high. On Thursday, a large fire broke out south of Athens near the Temple of Poseidon, forcing police to evacuate 40 people. Strong winds spread the fire quickly, damaging buildings and filling the sky with smoke.
Fire crews responded with 130 firefighters, 12 planes, and 12 helicopters. Roads were closed in the area as the fire threatened homes and nature reserves.
Spain also saw soaring temperatures this weekend. In Seville, the heat climbed to 107°F (42°C). Other southern and central regions reported unusually high temperatures for this time of year. Spain’s weather agency Aemet said June is on track to become the hottest on record. Health officials across Spain issued alerts and gave tips to stay safe.
People were advised to stay indoors during midday hours, avoid hard physical activity, and drink plenty of water. Tourists and locals used fans, hats, and cold drinks to beat the heat.
Health experts warned that such extreme weather can harm daily life, especially for children, seniors, and people with medical conditions. A public health study published by The Lancet last year predicted that heat-related deaths in Europe could more than quadruple by the middle of the century if current climate trends continue.
While cold weather still causes more deaths overall, researchers say the rising number of heat deaths will likely outweigh the benefits of warmer winters. They stressed that rising temperatures could increase overall health risks in the years to come.
This summer’s heatwaves are yet another sign of how the climate crisis is changing life in Europe. As extreme heat becomes more common, countries will need to adapt faster. From new work rules to emergency response plans, authorities are being pushed to act quickly and protect people from the growing danger.
