An extreme heatwave is sweeping across Southern Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several countries. Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece are currently the most affected, experiencing record-breaking temperatures for the month of June.
In El Granado, southwestern Spain, the temperature hit 46°C — the highest ever recorded in the country for June, according to national meteorological services.
⚠️ Local authorities respond with emergency measures
Governments in affected countries have implemented strict work bans in outdoor areas, especially during the hottest hours of the day. In Italy, regional governments in Lazio, Tuscany, and Calabria have suspended all fieldwork between midday and 4:00 PM.
Fire warnings are at critical levels:
- In Spain, Portugal, and Greece, large swaths of land are under severe wildfire alert
- Two-thirds of Portugal is officially classified in a state of high or extreme risk
- Near Athens, active wildfires have forced evacuations as emergency crews battle multiple fronts
🏥 Strain on health systems and tourism losses
Health services across the region are under severe pressure, assisting the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
In tourist-heavy areas like Rome, some British visitors have canceled tours, and others have reported symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
The tourism sector, a crucial economic engine for Southern Europe, is facing rising cancellations as travelers avoid extreme heat conditions.
🔥 The climate connection: not just weather — a warning
Meteorologists and climate scientists are clear: this is not a fluke. The heatwave is directly linked to global warming, and extreme weather events like this are expected to become more frequent and more severe.
Recent climate models predict that heat-related deaths could triple or quadruple by 2050 if emissions and warming trends continue at the current pace.
🌍 Regional effects across the Balkans and beyond
The Balkans — including Serbia, North Macedonia, and Albania — have also registered record-breaking temperatures. Authorities are implementing national emergency measures to prepare for possible wildfires and infrastructure failure.
Beyond public health, the side effects are widespread:
- Agricultural output is threatened by drought and soil damage
- Energy systems are overloaded, especially with increased demand for air conditioning
- Critical infrastructure faces collapse risks due to heat-stressed materials and grid instability
✅ How to stay safe and adapt to a changing reality
Officials urge the public to take urgent precautions:
- Avoid outdoor activity between 12:00 and 16:00
- Stay hydrated, seek shade, and remain in air-conditioned or cool environments
- Follow local alerts and wildfire updates from authorities
But more broadly, the crisis highlights the urgent need for stronger climate policy across Europe — from better urban heat mitigation to expanded wildfire defense systems.
