Europe on alert as first major heatwave of 2025 pushes temperatures to 42C
Authorities across Europe are on alert as the first heatwave of the summer pushes temperatures up to 42C, as the fastest-warming continent continues to suffer the effects of the climate emergency.
Spain's state meteorological office, Aemet, issued a special heat warning on Friday, saying temperatures could reach 42C in some southern areas of the country over the coming days.
'Very high and persistent temperatures are expected, both during the day and at night, which could pose a risk to exposed and/or vulnerable people,' Aemet said.
Madrid's health ministry also warned people to take extra care in the heat, reminding them to stay out of the sun, keep hydrated and pay close attention to those who are older, pregnant or who have chronic health conditions.
Two-thirds of Portugal will be on high alert on Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires as temperatures of up to 42C are expected in Lisbon. As temperatures in Marseille approach 40C, authorities in France's second-largest city have ordered public swimming pools to be made free of charge to help residents beat the Mediterranean heat.
With peaks of 39C expected in Naples and Palermo, Sicily has ordered a ban on outdoor work in the hottest hours of the day, as has the Liguria region in northern Italy. The country's trade unions are campaigning to extend the measure to other regions.
In Venice — which has played host to the lavish three-day wedding celebrations of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez, guests, visitors and protesters are feeling the heat.
'I try not to think about it, but I drink a lot of water and never stay still, because that's when you get sunstroke,' Sriane Mina, an Italian student, told Agence France-Presse in the city.
As temperatures in Greece approached 40C, a large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, leading authorities to issue evacuation orders and shut down parts of the coastal road linking the Greek capital to Sounion, location of the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a major tourist attraction.
The heatwave follows a series of broken extreme-heat records, including Europe's hottest March ever, according to the EU's Copernicus climate monitor. As a result of the planet's warming, extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heatwaves, have become more frequent and intense, scientists warn.
Last year was the hottest in recorded history so far and led to worldwide disasters, costing more than $300bn.
A Lancet Public Health study published last year found that heat deaths in Europe could triple by the end of the century, with the numbers rising disproportionately in southern countries such as Italy, Greece and Spain.
Deaths from warm weather could kill 129,000 people a year if temperatures rise to 3C above preindustrial levels. Today, heat-related deaths in Europe stand at 44,000.
But the yearly death toll from cold and heat in Europe may rise from 407,000 people today to 450,000 in 2100, even if world leaders meet their global heating target of 1.5C, the study found.
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Sunday World
2 hours ago
- Sunday World
Severe heatwave hits southern Europe and raises wildfire risks
Young swimmers jump into the water from a rock on a breakwater on a hot day in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Major heatwaves across southern Europe have pushed temperatures above 40C in countries including Italy, Spain and Greece, as local authorities issued fresh warnings over the risk of wildfires. Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of these heatwaves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across Europe's southern region. Severe heat was recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend, with locals and tourists alike taking shelter from the sweltering conditions. Two-thirds of Portugal were on high alert on Sunday over extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures expected to top 42C in Lisbon. Young swimmers jump into the water from a rock on a breakwater on a hot day in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 30th In Italy, a few regions – Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria – were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record high temperatures. Italian trade unions pushed the government to expand such measures at a national level. On Sunday, the Italian health ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples. In Rome, tourists tried to seek shade near popular spots like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public water fountains to stay cool. Germany also saw high temperatures (dpa via AP) Similar scenes were reported in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to tourists and residents to offer some refreshment from the heat. Greece was again on high wildfire alert because of extreme weather, with the first summer heat wave expected to continue throughout the weekend. A large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the ancient Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds spread the flames, damaging homes and sending smoke across the sky. Vulnerable people have been warned to take extra care in the heat (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Experts warned that intense heat can affect daily life, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. Local authorities advised against physical activity during the hottest hours of the day, and recommended drinking plenty of fluids. A Lancet Public Health study published last year highlighted the increasing risk of heat-related deaths because of climate change. The study predicted that heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by mid-century under current climate policies. While more people die from cold than heat, the study stressed that rising temperatures will offset the benefits of milder winters, leading to a significant net increase in heat-related mortality.
The Journal
2 hours ago
- The Journal
Spain hits new June temperature record amid 'unprecedented' heatwave across southern Europe
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Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Danger alert' for Irish tourists off to holiday hotspots as temps soar to 46C
Irish tourists taking trips to Europe in the foreseeable future should brace themselves for absolutely roasting temperatures. Temperatures tipped over 40°C in Spain and Portugal at the weekend, and look likely to edge even higher on Monday. Road surfaces are beginning to melt in Italy, while Greece has been plagued by wildfires sweeping across the holiday islands in recent days, reports The Mirror. The heat dome hanging over Europe is no laughing matter, with one tourist already having lost their life to heatstroke in Majorca. The roasting-hot front has blown up from Africa and looks poised to push thermometers even higher. It's unlikely the heat will relent anytime soon thanks to the heat dome currently hanging over Europe. The meteorological phenomenon occurs when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one region, acting like a lid on a pot. While a little sun, sea and sand might sound tempting, such high temperatures can be very dangerous. The region around Seville in southern Spain was forecast to reach 42°C through the weekend, while the French Mediterranean coast pushed 40°C on Saturday, with similar temperatures in southern Italy and Sardinia. Highs in London could hit 35°C on Monday, potentially making it the hottest June day on record in the UK. In Spain, Monday is expected to be the hottest day of a heat wave that began on Saturday and set a record for June, with 46 degrees forecast for El Granado in the south of the country. The arrival of a warm, dry mass of Saharan origin is exacerbating the rise in temperatures to "abnormally high and persistent levels, both day and night, which could pose a risk to people," the State Meteorological Agency warned. UK health authorities issued an amber heat alert for Tuesday covering London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England. The UK Health Security Agency has warned that scorching temperatures could pose a risk to children, older people, and those with medical vulnerabilities. It warns of "a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups". The heat also increases the likelihood of intense storms. France and Germany have been hammered by ferocious rain, hailstorms and flooding, leaving three people dead. Among them was a child who was crushed to death by a falling tree. Amber heat warnings have been issued for many parts of Spain, with similar warnings in place for four departments in the south of France. In Spain, weather expert Nacho Espinos has urged people to remain indoors and avoid strenuous exercise. A double alert has been issued in the Canary Islands due to extreme temperatures, with warnings affecting four of the islands. Weather experts say temperatures could reach 37C. On Gran Canaria, warnings have been issued for the rising risk of forest fires and the health dangers of high heat. In part due to the high heat there, Greece has borne the brunt of the wildfires in Europe so far this summer, with serious blazes breaking out in several areas. A fierce blaze ripped through the area south of Athens on Thursday, leading to evacuation orders and forcing officials to shut off sections of the vital coastal route from the Greek capital to Sounion, home of the historic Temple of Poseidon and a key draw for visitors. In France, firefighters were mobilised to tackle early summer fires as 84 of the country's 101 administrative areas were put on a heatwave alert from today until midweek. Extreme heat can be deadly. In 2023, 61,000 people died because of Europe's record-breaking heatwave. William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: "Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change. "Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life. High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe." Temperatures have started rising rapidly, just as a new early warning system has come into force. is the first pan-European, publicly available platform that predicts the actual mortality risks of temperatures for different demographics. Those planning a holiday who are concerned about the heat can use it to check how much of a risk to their health they are taking. If you are heading on holiday in the coming weeks, make sure you know the forecasted weather so you can prepare accordingly. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
