Heatwave brings temperatures up to 46°C across southern Europe

A new heatwave striking southern Europe is causing serious impacts, with temperatures reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. 

Authorities are implementing emergency plans as the extreme weather phenomenon is expected to last several more days.

In France, 84 of 95 metropolitan departments were placed on orange alert. Ecological Transition Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher described the phenomenon as “unprecedented in scale”. Authorities advised businesses to protect their staff, whilst approximately 200 schools suspended operations.

Italy: Emergency status in 21 cities

In Italy, 21 cities — including Rome, Venice, Naples and Milan — were placed on red alert for extreme heat. Emergency services reported a 10% increase in heatstroke cases, mainly among elderly people, cancer patients and homeless individuals. Authorities have created “climate shelters” and are offering free services to vulnerable groups.

Records in Spain

In Spain, temperatures of up to 46°C were recorded in Granada — a record level expected to be confirmed. According to Aemet, sea temperature in the Balearics exceeded 26°C, a level usually observed in mid-August.

Red alert in Portugal

Portugal placed areas, including Lisbon, on red alert. Fire risk is high, with authorities battling flames in areas of Sicily and southern Portugal.

Scientific concern over climate intensity

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the intensity, frequency and duration of heatwaves have been steadily increasing since 1950, and the phenomenon is directly attributed to global warming. Researchers emphasise that high temperatures are particularly intensified in urban centres due to the “heat island” phenomenon.