Health precautions are underway as several Southern European nations deal with a historic early summer heatwave, driven by hot air from North Africa.
Southern Europe Faces Record-Breaking Heatwave as Temperatures Soar
Southern Europe Faces Record-Breaking Heatwave as Temperatures Soar
Countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain prepare for extreme heat with health warnings in place.
The merciless heatwave engulfing Southern Europe is prompting widespread reaction as temperatures are predicted to surpass 40C in various regions over the weekend. Countries including Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal are bracing for the impact, particularly with the Spanish city of Seville projected to reach an alarming 42C on Sunday.
This unusual heat surge is attributed to hot air flow from North Africa, which is pushing into the Balkans and popular vacation spots, such as Croatia. According to BBC Weather, the severity of this heatwave is notably intense for June, a period that typically does not experience such high temperatures until late July or early August.
In Spain, authorities have activated emergency plans to address the anticipated increase in heat-related medical cases, particularly among at-risk groups, including the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions. "It always gets super hot in Madrid, what surprises me is how early it's happening — we're still in June," said Marina, 22, a local resident. "This year is extreme. Last year, at least you could go out at this hour, but now? No way," echoed Janeth, 47, as she described the intense conditions prompting increased hydration efforts.
In Italy, local governments are advising citizens in major cities — such as Rome, Milan, and Venice — where a celebrity wedding is taking place, to remain indoors during peak heat hours between 11:00 and 18:00. Venician tourist Alejandra Echeverria remarked on the suffocating conditions, “There is no wind, a lot of humidity, we are sweating, and I’m suffocating at night,” showcasing the human toll of the fluctuations in climate.
France has also declared an ongoing heatwave for over a week, issuing orange alerts in southern areas on Friday. In Marseille, city officials have opened municipal swimming pools at no charge as a relief effort during the extreme heat, while some regions are calling for school closures to safeguard student wellbeing.
The impact of the heatwave extends beyond direct health concerns; wildfires have already erupted, particularly in Greece, where coastal towns near Athens had to evacuate as flames raced dangerously close to homes. While it's challenging to directly link single weather events to climate change, data suggests that heatwaves are increasingly frequent and severe due to global warming. Research from World Weather Attribution indicates that heatwaves in June, marked by three consecutive days exceeding 28C, are now approximately ten times more common than during pre-industrial times.
This unusual heat surge is attributed to hot air flow from North Africa, which is pushing into the Balkans and popular vacation spots, such as Croatia. According to BBC Weather, the severity of this heatwave is notably intense for June, a period that typically does not experience such high temperatures until late July or early August.
In Spain, authorities have activated emergency plans to address the anticipated increase in heat-related medical cases, particularly among at-risk groups, including the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions. "It always gets super hot in Madrid, what surprises me is how early it's happening — we're still in June," said Marina, 22, a local resident. "This year is extreme. Last year, at least you could go out at this hour, but now? No way," echoed Janeth, 47, as she described the intense conditions prompting increased hydration efforts.
In Italy, local governments are advising citizens in major cities — such as Rome, Milan, and Venice — where a celebrity wedding is taking place, to remain indoors during peak heat hours between 11:00 and 18:00. Venician tourist Alejandra Echeverria remarked on the suffocating conditions, “There is no wind, a lot of humidity, we are sweating, and I’m suffocating at night,” showcasing the human toll of the fluctuations in climate.
France has also declared an ongoing heatwave for over a week, issuing orange alerts in southern areas on Friday. In Marseille, city officials have opened municipal swimming pools at no charge as a relief effort during the extreme heat, while some regions are calling for school closures to safeguard student wellbeing.
The impact of the heatwave extends beyond direct health concerns; wildfires have already erupted, particularly in Greece, where coastal towns near Athens had to evacuate as flames raced dangerously close to homes. While it's challenging to directly link single weather events to climate change, data suggests that heatwaves are increasingly frequent and severe due to global warming. Research from World Weather Attribution indicates that heatwaves in June, marked by three consecutive days exceeding 28C, are now approximately ten times more common than during pre-industrial times.
