Protesters in Lisbon tried to stay cool with handheld fans while rallying against Portugal's housing crisis on Saturday, June 28, 2025, as temperatures soared. AP
Southern Europe is experiencing dangerous heat waves, with temperatures soaring past 40°C in countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal. Authorities are warning people to stay safe as the risk of wildfires continues to rise.
Experts say climate change is making these events more frequent and more severe, especially in southern Europe.
Portugal Under Red Alert
On Sunday, nearly two-thirds of Portugal remained on high alert due to soaring temperatures and wildfire risk. Lisbon, the capital, braced for a scorching 42°C. The hot and dry conditions led officials to urge people to avoid outdoor work or activity during peak heat hours.
Italy Responds to Scorching Heat
In Italy, regions like Lazio, Tuscany, Puglia, Calabria, and Umbria planned to ban outdoor labor during the hottest parts of the day. Trade unions called on the government to apply these rules nationwide.
The Health Ministry placed 21 cities, including Rome, Milan, and Naples, under red alerts. Tourists in Rome used umbrellas and crowded public fountains to cool off. In Milan and Naples, street vendors sold cold drinks like lemonade to help people handle the heat.
Greece Battles Wildfires
Greece also faced high heat and strong winds, which triggered wildfires. A major fire broke out south of Athens near the Temple of Poseidon on Thursday. Emergency teams, including 130 firefighters, 12 planes, and 12 helicopters, fought the flames.
The fire forced evacuations in five areas. Police moved 40 people to safety while smoke filled the sky and flames damaged homes.
Spain Boils in the Sun
Spain faced another blistering weekend. Seville hit 42°C, and other southern and central areas also reported dangerously high temperatures. The country’s weather service warned that June could become the hottest ever recorded.
Health officials advised people to stay indoors during the hottest hours, avoid exercise, and stay hydrated. Elderly people, children, and people with health conditions faced the most risk.
Rising Health Risks
Scientists warn that extreme heat, if left unchecked, could seriously impact health. A recent study showed that climate change could cause heat-related deaths to more than quadruple by 2050. While more people currently die from cold than heat, rising temperatures may soon change that pattern.
Authorities say now is the time to take climate change and its effects seriously, as Europe faces increasingly intense summers year after year.
