Europe Heatwave: Record Temperatures and Wildfires Hit Five Countries

Large parts of Europe are battling record-high temperatures as an early summer heatwave grips the continent. Countries including Spain, Italy, France, Greece, and Portugal faced extreme heat warnings, health alerts, and wildfires over the weekend.

Spain saw the highest temperature, with El Granado recording 46°C on Sunday. That breaks the national June record, which had stood since 1965. Spain’s weather agency AEMET warned that “temperatures are abnormally high for June and will stay that way into the week.”

Europe Faces Record Temperatures 

Authorities issued red alerts across northern and western Spain. Locals in Seville and Córdoba tried to stay indoors during the hottest hours. “We can’t work outside after noon,” said Francisco Vega, a construction worker in Seville. “It’s too risky.”

Portugal also saw temperatures above 40°C. The capital, Lisbon, was under a red warning. Two-thirds of the country was on high alert for both heat and wildfires. In Alvega, the mercury hit 45°C. Officials warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

Italy placed 21 cities on high heat alert, including Rome, Milan, and Naples. Some regions, like Lazio and Puglia, suspended outdoor work in the afternoons. “Heat at this level puts lives at risk,” said Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci.

Heatwave conditions will affect much of Continental Europe through the next week, but with the focus of the most anomalous heat moving southeast with time

Temperatures are expected to be 5-10°C above normal fairly widely, with some locations continuing to exceed 40°C 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/FybWBzpckW

— Met Office (@metoffice) June 29, 2025

Tourists in Rome used umbrellas and water fountains near landmarks like the Colosseum. In Milan, street vendors sold lemonade as people avoided direct sun. “We’re not used to this kind of heat in June,” said Clara Bianchi, a local shop owner.

Greece faced both soaring temperatures and fast-moving wildfires. A fire south of Athens led to evacuations near the Temple of Poseidon. “Strong winds made it worse,” said a fire service official. “We evacuated five areas as a precaution.”

France dealt with fires in the south and violent storms in the north. In Grospierres, temperatures peaked at 40.9°C. In the Aude region, flames forced evacuations after a barbecue incident sparked multiple blazes. Parts of the A61 highway were shut.

Climate Signals Are Getting Louder

The national weather agency, Météo-France, said this was the country’s 50th heatwave since 1947. “We’re seeing more frequent and earlier heatwaves,” said a spokesperson. Paris, hit by hail and flooding last week, faces renewed heat through Monday.

In the UK, the Met Office expected highs of 35°C, possibly breaking Wimbledon’s heat record. “Some areas won’t cool below 20°C at night,” said chief meteorologist Matthew Lenhert. “We’re seeing what we call tropical nights.”

Scientists link these events to climate change. “Heatwaves like this are no longer rare,” said Emanuela Piervitali from Italy’s environmental research agency. AEMET noted that Spain recorded only two June heatwaves from 1975 to 2000, but nine since then.

Bird rescue centres in France reported more heat-stressed birds than usual. “Some nests hit over 40°C,” said Allain Bougrain-Dubourg from the League for the Protection of Birds.

Experts say these heat waves will only get worse. “By 2100, France may face 10 times more heatwave days each summer,” warned Météo-France.

Governments across Europe continue to urge people to stay cool, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activity during peak heat.

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