A heatwave is gripping Europe, with temperatures soaring to 42C (107.6F) across the continent. Authorities have issued warnings as the fastest-warming continent continues to suffer from the effects of climate change.
Spain’s Aemet meteorological office has issued a special heat warning, predicting extremely hot and persistent temperatures that could pose a risk to vulnerable populations. Madrid’s health ministry is advising people to stay out of the sun, stay hydrated, and monitor those with chronic health conditions.
Other European countries are also feeling the heat. Portugal will be under high alert on Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires, while France has ordered free public swimming pools in Marseille to help residents cope with the Mediterranean heat.
Italy has banned outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day, citing concerns over worker safety. Greece is also experiencing a large wildfire, forcing evacuation orders and road closures.
The heatwave follows a series of broken extreme-heat records, including Europe’s hottest March ever. The climate emergency has led to more frequent and intense weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, floods, and heatwaves.
Scientists warn that the planet’s warming will continue to exacerbate these events, with heat-related deaths potentially tripling in Europe by the end of the century. Last year was the hottest on record, costing over $300 billion in disasters worldwide.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/28/europe-on-alert-as-first-major-heatwave-of-2025-pushes-temperatures-to-42c