Europe is in the grip of one of the most extreme heatwaves in recent decades, with France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the UK suffering under relentless temperatures. The climate crisis is showing its teeth as intense weather events become increasingly common. In Italy, Portugal, and even France, mercury levels have either approached or surpassed 42°C, while temperatures reached up to 38°C in western and south-western regions. Tuesday is expected to be even hotter.
The United Kingdom hit 33.5°C, marking this as the hottest day of the year so far. Forecasts suggest temperatures could reach up to 34°C today, with a slight chance they may even touch 35°C. This particular heatwave, as described by experts, occurs when a high-pressure system remains over a region for days or weeks. As a result, heat continues to build up, drying out the soil and further raising temperatures — reaching as high as 46°C in parts of Spain.
Climate change has become one of the greatest challenges of our time, dramatically affecting the planet’s weather patterns. Even small increases in Earth’s average temperature lead to more frequent and prolonged heatwaves that are becoming increasingly severe. According to a BBC analysis, human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation release greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere like a blanket, worsening the situation. Even a slight rise in global average temperature can significantly increase extreme heat events.
Across the Mediterranean, record-breaking temperatures, health warnings, and increased wildfire risks have reignited urgent discussions about infrastructure resilience and the need for immediate protective measures for vulnerable populations.
Paris has been placed on red alert — the highest level — for the first time since August 2020. Due to the extreme conditions, strict traffic restrictions have been imposed, and the top of the Eiffel Tower will remain closed to tourists until Wednesday. A total of 16 French departments — including areas near the capital and those located southwest of the city — are under red alert, with temperatures expected to reach up to 41°C. Red alerts allow authorities to take action and restrict certain activities due to the serious health implications for the general population.
Meanwhile, in Spain, officials are investigating the death of a 51-year-old street cleaner in Barcelona who collapsed after reportedly feeling as if she were dying. Her death is suspected to be linked to the heatwave, which saw temperatures in the city reach 30.4°C on Saturday. Extreme heat can cause heatstroke or exacerbate underlying conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among the elderly.
Portugal also recorded a new June temperature record of 46.6°C in the town of Moura, around 100 km east of Lisbon. On Sunday, 37% of meteorological stations recorded temperatures above 40°C, with many areas experiencing unprecedented highs. Although some relief is expected today, eight regions remain under orange alert due to the heightened risk of wildfires, especially in central and northern forested zones.