An unrelenting early-summer heatwave has gripped much of Europe, sending temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) and shattering historical records across several countries.
The extreme heat, which began intensifying over the weekend, is forecast to continue into the start of the week, prompting widespread weather alerts and raising concerns over climate-related risks, according to DW.COM
In Spain, the town of El Granado, near the Portuguese border, recorded a sweltering 46°C (114.8°F) on Sunday — the highest June temperature ever recorded in the country. This shattered the previous June record of 45.2°C (113.4°F) set in Seville in 1965, according to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
Portugal is also facing scorching conditions. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere issued a “red warning” for Lisbon, citing “persistently extremely high maximum temperature values” expected to continue until at least Monday night. Temperatures across parts of the country were forecast to exceed 40°C.
Italy placed 21 major cities — including Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Naples — on high alert for dangerous heat conditions. Health authorities warned residents to stay indoors during peak hours and remain hydrated as temperatures pushed toward hazardous thresholds.
Greece issued renewed wildfire warnings as the dry, hot conditions created a dangerous environment for flare-ups. Emergency services remain on high alert in vulnerable rural and forested regions.
The UK is also feeling the heat, with London expected to reach a high of 35°C on Monday, marking the hottest day of the year so far for the British capital.
Germany’s weather service issued heat warnings across its southern and western states, predicting peaks of up to 39°C by midweek. Alerts were in effect for Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland.
Meteorologists are linking the increased frequency and intensity of these heatwaves to anthropogenic (human-driven) climate change. AEMET pointed out that between 1975 and 2000, Spain experienced only two heatwaves during June — a number that has jumped to nine since 2000. This year, temperatures normally associated with August were recorded as early as late May.
“Heat waves will become more frequent and more intense,” warned Emanuela Piervitali of Italy’s Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA). She added that climate models predict even higher temperature extremes in the future, necessitating new strategies for public health and environmental protection.
In France, the intense heat is also impacting wildlife. “Some nests reach over 40°C,” said Allain Bougrain-Dubourg of the League for the Protection of Birds, noting that wildlife rehabilitation centers are overwhelmed with distressed birds affected by the soaring temperatures.
As Europe braces for more days of blistering heat, experts and environmental agencies are urging governments to accelerate adaptation efforts to protect both people and ecosystems from the worsening consequences of climate change.
