A severe heatwave running across Europe has claimed lives, sparked widespread wildfires, and disrupted public services in several countries.
In Italy, two people have died as extreme temperatures strain public health systems. The Tuscany region reported a 20% rise in hospital admissions. Authorities issued red alerts in 21 of 27 cities and banned outdoor work during peak heat hours in regions such as Lombardy and Emilia.
Spain and Portugal recorded their highest-ever June temperatures, with 46°C registered in El Granado, Spain, and 46.6°C in Mora, Portugal. Spain’s meteorological agency Aemet confirmed several locations across the Iberian Peninsula exceeded 43°C, though a slight drop in temperatures is expected later in the week.
In Turkey, over 50,000 people were evacuated due to wildfires, mainly in Izmir province. Fires were also reported in Bilecik, Hatay, Sakarya, and Manisa. The Forestry Ministry said 263 fires were recorded across the country in three days.
France experienced its hottest June night and day on Monday, with temperatures peaking further on Tuesday. The government issued a red alert for Paris and 15 other regions. The Ministry of Education ordered over 1,300 schools to partially or fully close. The Eiffel Tower’s top floor was also shut due to safety concerns.
The UK reported 33.1°C at Heathrow Airport on Monday, while Wimbledon recorded its hottest opening day on record at 32.9°C. Germany’s weather service warned of possible 38°C temperatures, which would mark record highs for June. Falling water levels in the Rhine River have already disrupted freight traffic and increased transport costs.
In Greece, wildfires hit coastal areas near Athens, destroying homes and prompting evacuations. Temperatures in the region have hovered around 40°C for days. In the Balkans, heat-related problems have been reported in Montenegro, though temperatures there are now declining.
Environmental impacts are also emerging. Warmer waters in the Adriatic Sea are encouraging invasive species like lionfish, while heat continues to accelerate glacier melt in alpine regions.
The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, said the heatwave highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation and a shift away from fossil fuels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that such extreme events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming.