Europe is currently enduring an intense early summer heatwave, with temperatures soaring well above 40°C (104°F) in several countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, and parts of France. The extreme heat has prompted widespread health warnings, emergency measures, and heightened concerns over wildfire risks.
In Spain, the town of El Granado near the Portuguese border shattered national records by reaching 46°C on Saturday, the highest temperature ever recorded in June for the country, surpassing the previous record of 45.2°C set in 1965. Portugal is also experiencing unprecedented heat, with forecasts predicting temperatures as high as 43°C (109°F) in regions like Beja and Evora early next week. Southern France, Italy, Greece, and Germany are not spared, with many cities expecting temperatures in the mid to high 30s Celsius, and some areas approaching or exceeding 40°C.
The heatwave is driven by a persistent and extensive heat dome a high-pressure system trapping hot air over much of western and southern Europe since mid-June. This phenomenon, intensified by climate change, has led to a series of record-breaking temperatures and prolonged dry conditions, exacerbating drought and wildfire threats. Authorities in affected countries have issued various measures: France opened public swimming pools for free to help residents cope with the stifling heat, Sicily banned outdoor work during peak hours, and Greece evacuated villages threatened by wildfires.
Even London and parts of southern England are on alert, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35°C (95°F) early next week, a rare occurrence that has prompted heat warnings. Scientists attribute the increased frequency and severity of such heatwaves largely to human-driven climate change, which has made events like this up to ten times more likely than in the pre-industrial era.
The combination of extreme heat, low humidity, and dry vegetation is fueling a growing wildfire risk, especially in southern Europe where several large fires have already broken out, including near Athens, Greece. Emergency services across the continent remain on high alert as the heatwave is forecast to persist into early July, potentially bringing even higher temperatures and further challenges to public health and safety.
This unprecedented early summer heatwave underscores the urgent need for climate action and adaptation strategies as Europe grapples with the escalating impacts of global warming.