Authorities across Spain and Southern Europe urged people to stay indoors and safeguard vulnerable groups on Sunday, as the summer’s first major heatwave pushed temperatures to dangerous highs.
Southern Spain and Portugal were bracing for peaks of up to 42°C, while intense heat also gripped Italy, Greece and many areas of France, with forecasts indicating that the heat would persist for several days.
Emergency medical teams were stationed near popular tourist destinations, and multiple regions issued fire alerts.
Scientists continue to connect the growing number and intensity of these extreme heatwaves to climate change, warning that such conditions are becoming increasingly common across Southern Europe.
In Spain, both residents and visitors struggled to stay cool over the weekend, with temperatures soaring to 42°C in Seville and other parts of the southern and central regions. Local media in Andalusia were predicting temperatures in some areas could reach up to 44°C on Sunday.
The southern areas of Spain experienced temperatures well above the seasonal norm, triggering health warnings and prompting officials to recommend precautions. The national weather agency, Aemet, noted that June is on track to become the hottest since records began.
Meanwhile, Portugal placed two-thirds of the country under high alert for extreme heat and wildfire risks on Sunday, with Lisbon anticipating temperatures exceeding 42°C.
In Italy, several regions — including Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria — considered implementing temporary bans on outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day due to the soaring temperatures. Trade unions urged the government to adopt similar protections nationwide.
By Sunday, Italy’s Health Ministry had issued its highest heat warning for 21 out of the 27 cities it monitors, covering popular tourist destinations such as Rome, Milan and Naples.
In the Italian capital, visitors sought relief by gathering in shaded areas near landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, shielding themselves with umbrellas and using public water fountains to cool down.
Greece also remained under high wildfire alert as the extreme temperatures continued into the weekend, marking the nation’s first heatwave of the summer.
A significant wildfire ignited south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the historic Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds fanned the flames, damaging several homes and filling the sky with smoke.
To combat the blaze, Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, supported by 12 aircraft and 12 helicopters. Police coordinated the evacuation of 40 people, placing five areas under mandatory evacuation orders.
Experts cautioned that prolonged heat poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Local governments advised residents to avoid strenuous activities during the peak heat hours and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
A study published last year in The Lancet Public Health underscored the mounting risk of heat-related fatalities linked to climate change. According to the research, ‘heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by mid-century under current climate policies’.
The study further noted that while cold-related deaths currently surpass those caused by heat, ‘rising temperatures will offset the benefits of milder winters, leading to a significant net increase in heat-related mortality’.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
La AEMET ha emitido un aviso especial de ola de calor este domingo, con máximas superiores a 42 grados.
Conectamos en este punto con su portavoz, Rubén del Campo.https://t.co/OXIRLzFzBS pic.twitter.com/oaVA3V8HEm
— RTVE Noticias (@rtvenoticias) June 29, 2025
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.