Major heat waves are gripping southern Europe, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece. Authorities are sounding alarms about the heightened risk of wildfires as people seek refuge from the intense heat.
In Portugal, two-thirds of the country was on high alert for extreme heat and wildfires, with Lisbon bracing for temperatures that could exceed 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit). Meanwhile, in Italy, regions such as Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria are considering bans on outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day. Trade unions are advocating for these measures to be implemented nationwide.
On Sunday, Italy’s Health Ministry issued its highest heat alert for 21 out of 27 cities, including popular tourist spots like Rome, Milan, and Naples. Tourists in Rome were seen trying to find shade near iconic sites like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public water fountains to stay cool. Similar scenes unfolded in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to help people beat the heat.
Greece is also facing severe weather conditions, with wildfires posing a significant threat. A large fire erupted south of Athens, prompting evacuations and road closures near the historic Temple of Poseidon. Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, along with planes and helicopters, to combat the blaze, evacuating around 40 residents from five areas.
In Spain, the heat has reached alarming levels, particularly in Seville, where temperatures hit 42 degrees Celsius. The national meteorological service has warned that June may become the hottest month on record. Local authorities are advising residents and tourists to avoid physical activities during peak heat hours and to stay hydrated.
Experts are linking these extreme heat waves to climate change, cautioning that such events are becoming more frequent in southern Europe. A recent study highlighted the increasing risk of heat-related deaths, predicting that these could more than quadruple by mid-century if current climate policies remain unchanged. While cold weather typically causes more deaths than heat, experts warn that rising temperatures will lead to a significant increase in heat-related fatalities.
As the heat continues, communities across southern Europe are grappling with the impacts, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and public health measures to protect vulnerable populations.