Europe is bracing for its first major heatwave of the summer, with scorching temperatures expected to reach 42°C (107.6°F) in parts of the continent. As the fastest-warming region on Earth, Europe is once again feeling the sting of a worsening climate crisis.
In Spain, the national weather agency Aemet issued a special alert on Friday, warning that southern regions could see daytime highs of 42°C in the coming days. The agency cautioned that the extreme and persistent heat—both during the day and at night—could be dangerous, especially for vulnerable groups.
“Very high and persistent temperatures are expected, both during the day and at night, which could pose a risk to exposed and/or vulnerable people,” Aemet said in a statement.
Spain’s health ministry echoed the warning, advising residents to avoid prolonged sun exposure, stay well hydrated, and keep a close eye on older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
In neighbouring Portugal, about two-thirds of the country will be under high alert on Sunday, with Lisbon expecting temperatures up to 42°C. The risk of wildfires has also surged, prompting extra caution from emergency services.
France is also feeling the heat. In Marseille, where temperatures are nearing 40°C, authorities have opened public swimming pools free of charge to help residents cool down. Meanwhile, in Italy, cities like Naples and Palermo are forecasting peaks of 39°C, prompting regional governments in Sicily and Liguria to ban outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day. Trade unions are pushing for this measure to be adopted nationwide.
In Venice, where billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez recently held a lavish three-day wedding celebration, locals and tourists alike are battling the sweltering heat. “I try not to think about it,” said Sriane Mina, a university student, “but I drink a lot of water and never stay still—because that’s when you get sunstroke.”
Further east, Greece is also on edge. As temperatures crept towards 40°C, a wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday. Authorities quickly issued evacuation orders and closed part of the scenic coastal road linking the capital to the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion—a historic site popular with tourists.
This summer’s scorching temperatures follow a string of climate records already shattered in 2025, including Europe’s hottest March on record, according to the EU’s Copernicus climate monitoring service. Scientists continue to warn that extreme weather events—including heatwaves, floods, droughts and storms—are growing in frequency and intensity due to global warming.
Last year was the hottest ever recorded, triggering disasters worldwide and racking up more than $300 billion in damages. A study published in The Lancet Public Health warns that heat-related deaths in Europe could triple by the end of the century—particularly in southern countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain.
