Southern Europe Sizzles: Record-Breaking Heatwave Hits Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece

Major heatwaves across southern Europe have left Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece in sweltering conditions of more than 40C (104F).

Portugal and Spain on High Alert

Two-thirds of Portugal was on high alert for extreme heat and risk of wildfires, with temperatures in Lisbon expected to exceed 42C (107F). In parts of southern Spain, temperatures are well above average, with 42C also expected in Seville and other cities. The country's meteorological service says June is likely to be the hottest Spain has experienced since records began.

Italy's Response to the Heat

In several Italian regions, including Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria, outdoor work was banned during peak hours of sun. Trade unions are pushing for these measures to be extended and rolled out nationwide. Twenty-one out of 27 cities were under the highest possible heat alert, including Rome, Milan, and Naples.

Greece Battles Wildfires

Greece has already been plagued by wildfires this summer, with one breaking out south of Athens and several on the island of Chios. Authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 helicopters, and 12 planes, with 40 people evacuated from the highest-risk areas. A woman was arrested on suspicion of unintentional arson after wildfires spread across brush and pastureland for three days on Chios.

Climate Change Link

Scientists link increasing frequencies of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, and storms to climate change. In France and Germany, at least three people died amid stormy conditions.

The Science Behind the Heat

A ridge of high pressure above central and western Europe is driving the scorching conditions, says Sky News meteorologist Chris England. Hotter-than-normal sea temperatures, dry land, and surface winds are also partly to blame, he added.

UK Heatwave Also Likely

The UK is halfway through a four-day amber heat health alert, with temperatures expected to peak in the mid-30s (86F) on Tuesday. Heatwave thresholds are likely to be met on Monday and Tuesday, which vary between 28C (82F) in the south of England and 25C (77F) across the rest of the country.