Europe scorched by early heatwave as Italy swelters

Europe is sweltering under an intense early summer heatwave that has sent temperatures soaring to record levels, disrupted daily life, and raised fresh warnings about the continent’s vulnerability to climate change.

From Spain to Poland, authorities have issued heat alerts as scorching temperatures grip large parts of the continent.

In Italy, the health ministry has declared a maximum red alert for cities including Rome, Florence and Bologna, as temperatures climb above 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Officials have urged people to stay indoors during the hottest hours and to check on elderly relatives and neighbours. Hydration points have been set up in city centres and hospitals are on standby for heat-related emergencies.

Record temperatures across Europe

The heatwave, driven by a Saharan air mass and high-pressure “heat domes”, first gripped Spain and Portugal, where temperatures exceeded 44°C in parts of Andalusia and the Alentejo. Red warnings were issued across much of the Iberian Peninsula.

In France, the southwestern city of Biarritz recorded 42.9°C, breaking its previous August record by more than two degrees. Sixteen departments, including Gironde and Haute-Garonne, remain under orange alert.

Germany saw the eastern city of Cottbus hit 39.2°C, the highest June temperature since records began. In the UK, a provisional June record of 33.2°C was set in Surrey on June 21, accompanied by the warmest June night on record in Northern Ireland, where temperatures failed to fall below 18.2°C.

The Arctic Circle was not spared, with parts of northern Finland and Norway reporting highs over 32°C, nearly 20°C above seasonal norms.

Health warnings and infrastructure strain

The extreme heat has strained public health systems and energy supplies.

In Italy, hospitals have reported a rise in heat-related illnesses, while energy providers warn of potential blackouts due to high air-conditioning demand.

France, Spain and other countries have issued public health warnings, advising people to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during peak hours.

Climate experts sound alarm

Scientists say the current heatwave reflects a growing trend linked to climate change.

“Europe is now experiencing the type of heat that used to be rare even in August, and it’s happening in June,” said Anne Dupont, a meteorologist with Météo-France.

According to the European Environment Agency, heatwaves across Europe now last on average 20 to 30 days longer than they did three decades ago.

More heat to come

While forecasters expect some temporary relief in parts of western Europe, high-pressure systems are likely to persist, bringing more hot weather into July.

The heatwave has also raised fears of drought and wildfires, particularly in southern Europe, where rainfall has been below average.

Authorities across the continent are urging residents to take precautions as the early summer continues to deliver extreme temperatures.