MADRID: Authorities across Europe are bracing for the impact of the summer’s first major heatwave, with temperatures soaring to a blistering 42°C in multiple regions. The extreme weather conditions have triggered widespread health alerts and public safety measures across Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, and Greece.
Spain’s national weather agency Aemet has issued a special alert, warning that southern regions could see temperatures reach the upper 40s over the next few days. Officials caution that such persistent and intense heat could pose serious health risks, particularly to the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions.
Madrid’s health ministry has advised citizens to avoid direct sunlight, stay hydrated, and look after vulnerable individuals. In Portugal, two-thirds of the country—including Lisbon—is on high alert due to extreme heat and the heightened risk of wildfires.
In France, the city of Marseille is offering free access to public pools as local temperatures hover near 40°C. Meanwhile, Italy has placed 17 cities from Milan to Palermo under red alert, with Rome’s public fountains seeing large crowds seeking respite from the heat.
Greece has also been hit hard, with temperatures nearing 40°C triggering wildfires south of Athens. The fires prompted evacuations and road closures near the historic Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, a popular tourist site.
Germany is forecast to experience its hottest day of the year, with temperatures climbing close to 40°C. The German Weather Service has issued level 2 and level 3 warnings for regions including Rhineland-Palatinate and areas near Freiburg.
Nighttime temperatures are not expected to fall below 20°C in several locations, creating what meteorologists call “tropical nights” that add to the strain on public health systems. These events follow an already record-breaking spring, with Europe recording its hottest March ever, highlighting the growing impact of the global climate emergency.
Scientists warn that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, with lasting implications for health, infrastructure, and the environment.
