Southern and central Europe are enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring up to 44°C (111.2°F) in parts of Spain. This intense heat is causing forest fires in Greece and Croatia and prompting health advisories from governments across the region.
In Spain, the meteorological agency Aemet forecasts temperatures reaching 40°C across much of the country and up to 44°C in Andalucía.
This heatwave, fueled by a mass of hot, dry air from North Africa, is expected to last until Saturday. Aemet’s Luis Bañon noted that today will likely be the hottest, with sand from the Sahara affecting skies in the southeast and various islands.
Spain’s health ministry has issued warnings for the public to take precautions: stay hydrated, seek shade, and care for vulnerable individuals.
Greece battles severe wildfires amid second heatwave; evacuations underway as temperatures soar.Héctor Tejero, head of health and climate change, emphasized that the heat poses serious health risks, with thousands of deaths annually attributed to extreme temperatures.
In Greece, the second heatwave of the summer has brought hot, dry winds and temperatures up to 43°C.
Firefighters are battling major blazes near Thessaloniki and on the island of Kea, where evacuations have been ordered. The government warns of a high risk of wildfires, urging the public to exercise extreme caution.
Italy faces its longest heatwave on record, with temperatures expected to surpass 42°C in some areas. The government has restricted heavy outdoor work during peak heat hours.
The heatwave has led to disruptions across Europe, with Italy issuing red alerts for 14 cities and extending them to 17 as the heat persists.
In Croatia, firefighters and water-bombing planes are managing a forest fire near Trogir, with efforts focused on preventing damage to homes and hotels. The fire, part of a broader Balkan heatwave, has also affected Serbia, where record electricity consumption has been reported due to widespread air conditioning use.