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Severe heatwave hits southern Europe and raises wildfire risks

Severe heatwave hits southern Europe and raises wildfire risks

Glasgow Times30-06-2025
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.
Spain experienced extreme heat (AP)
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.
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Wildfire burns through Athens suburb as residents told to evacuate
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Wildfire burns through Athens suburb as residents told to evacuate
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Residents of Kryoneri, 12.5 miles northeast of Athens, received three SMS messages to evacuate to safe areas, fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis told reporters. Greek media have shown houses on fire. The spokesman said 'there have been reports of damage. We will take stock when the fires have been put out'. 'The real difficulties are ahead of us,' Mr Vathrakoyannis said, adding that Greece has asked for six firefighting planes from the European Union's civil protection mechanism. A house burns in Kryoneri (Yorgos Karahalis/AP) On site, 145 firefighters and 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes and seven helicopters are attempting to put out the fire, the origin of which is unknown. Four ambulances are treating at least five people, most of them elderly, for respiratory problems. Temperatures reaching, or exceeding, 38C, dry conditions and high winds are fanning the flames. Under such conditions wildfires 'expand very quickly and become dangerous. These conditions are expected to prevail over the coming days', Mr Vathrakoyannis said. The fire service is also dealing with three other major fires in the southwest on Greece's two largest islands, Crete in the south and Evia north of Athens, and also on the island of Kythera, northwest of Crete. At least 335 firefighters, 19 planes and 13 helicopters are involved, but can only operate in daylight. Fifty-two wildfires broke out across the country over the past 24 hours, the spokesman said. Wildfires, many of them destructive, have become a common occurrence in Greece in recent years. Several have broken out in the past month.

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