The major heat waves in southern Europe have increased temperatures above 40 C (104 F) in countries including Italy, Spain and Greece as local authorities issued new warnings about wildfire risks.
Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of these heat waves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common in southern Europe.
Before the weekend, Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal recorded severe heat, with locals and tourists avoiding the stuffy conditions.
Two-thirds of Portugal are highly alert due to extremely high heat and wildfires, and Lisbon is expected to be temperatures in 42 C (107 F).
In Italy, some areas (Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Yumbria) plan to ban some outdoor work during the hottest times of the day in response to record high temperatures. Italian trade unions prompted the government to expand such measures at the national level.
The Italian Ministry of Health on Sunday, 21 of its 27 monitored cities were under its highest thermal alarm, including top resorts such as Rome, Milan and Naples.
In Rome, tourists try to find shadows near popular locations such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain and use umbrellas and drink alcohol from public fountains to keep them cool.
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Milan and Naples reportedly have similar scenes, where street vendors sell lemonade to tourists and residents, offering some delicious dishes from the Heat.
Greece is once again in high wildfire alert due to extreme weather, and is expected to continue its first summer heat wave throughout the weekend.
A large wildfire broke out in southern Athens on Thursday, forcing the evacuation and road closure near the Poseidon Temple. Strong winds spread flames, destroying the houses and smog in the sky.
Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 aircraft and 12 helicopters to fight the fire, while police evacuated 40 people and evacuated five areas.
In Spain, locals and tourists desperately tried to keep cool this weekend as the country's temperatures in Seville's southern city of Seville are as high as 42 C (107 f), as well as other locations in the southern and central regions of the country.
The temperatures in southern Spain are higher than the seasonal average, prompting health alerts and safety advice from the authorities. The country's National Meteorological Agency AEMET said June will break another record, becoming the hottest month since the record began.
Experts warn that strong heat can affect daily life, especially for vulnerable people such as the elderly and children.
Local authorities advise against physical exercise during the most popular time of the day and recommend drinking large amounts of liquid.
A public health study published last year highlights the increased risk of heat-related deaths due to climate change. The study predicts that under current climate policies, heat-related deaths may exceed four times.
Although people die from the cold, the study highlights that rising temperatures will offset the benefits of mild winters, resulting in a substantial increase in heat-related mortality.
& Copy 2025 Canadian Press
