Southern Spain is facing the brunt of the heat, with El Granado setting a scorching new record as June reaches unprecedented levels.
Europe's Heatwave Peaks: Spain Hits Record 46°C
Europe's Heatwave Peaks: Spain Hits Record 46°C
An intense heatwave is sweeping through Europe, pushing temperatures to dangerous highs and prompting health warnings.
The ongoing heatwave across Europe has raised alarms as various regions endure record-breaking temperatures and health advisories. Southern Spain remains the epicenter of this extreme weather, with temperatures soaring to a staggering 46 degrees Celsius in El Granado, according to Spain's meteorological authorities. This new June record highlights a concerning trend, as the month is likely on course to become the hottest June ever recorded.
Authorities in multiple countries, including Portugal, Italy, and Croatia, have issued red heat warnings, and numerous amber alerts are scattered throughout Spain, France, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. A tragic incident in Barcelona underscores the heat's dangers, where a road sweeper collapsed and died after her shift during sweltering conditions. Local officials are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
Meanwhile, Italy's emergency departments are witnessing a surge in heatstroke patients, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. To address the increased caseload, hospitals like Naples' Ospedale dei Colli have established specialized pathways for heatstroke treatment, including cold water immersion. The city of Bologna has set up climate shelters equipped with air conditioning, while Rome has opened city swimming pools for those aged 70 and above free of charge.
In Portugal, a pharmacist in Lisbon reported cases of heat-related illnesses despite warnings to remain indoors during peak heat hours. The heatwave's impact is also felt across the western Balkans, where temperatures have surpassed 40°C. Serbia recorded its hottest temperature on record since the data collection began in the 19th century, while Slovenia marked its highest June temperature on Saturday. North Macedonia hasn't escaped the heat either, hitting 42°C.
Forecasts predict that the heat will persist in various regions, including parts of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, with temperatures in London expected to climb to 35°C by Monday. Yellow and amber weather alerts are in effect across parts of England as well. This extreme weather pattern is linked to a dominant area of high pressure, resulting in dry air that continues to intensify the heat across Europe.
While it remains challenging to attribute specific weather events directly to climate change, experts from World Weather Attribution indicate that the probability of heatwaves with extended periods of high temperatures has grown significantly—about tenfold compared to pre-industrial times.
Authorities in multiple countries, including Portugal, Italy, and Croatia, have issued red heat warnings, and numerous amber alerts are scattered throughout Spain, France, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. A tragic incident in Barcelona underscores the heat's dangers, where a road sweeper collapsed and died after her shift during sweltering conditions. Local officials are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
Meanwhile, Italy's emergency departments are witnessing a surge in heatstroke patients, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. To address the increased caseload, hospitals like Naples' Ospedale dei Colli have established specialized pathways for heatstroke treatment, including cold water immersion. The city of Bologna has set up climate shelters equipped with air conditioning, while Rome has opened city swimming pools for those aged 70 and above free of charge.
In Portugal, a pharmacist in Lisbon reported cases of heat-related illnesses despite warnings to remain indoors during peak heat hours. The heatwave's impact is also felt across the western Balkans, where temperatures have surpassed 40°C. Serbia recorded its hottest temperature on record since the data collection began in the 19th century, while Slovenia marked its highest June temperature on Saturday. North Macedonia hasn't escaped the heat either, hitting 42°C.
Forecasts predict that the heat will persist in various regions, including parts of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, with temperatures in London expected to climb to 35°C by Monday. Yellow and amber weather alerts are in effect across parts of England as well. This extreme weather pattern is linked to a dominant area of high pressure, resulting in dry air that continues to intensify the heat across Europe.
While it remains challenging to attribute specific weather events directly to climate change, experts from World Weather Attribution indicate that the probability of heatwaves with extended periods of high temperatures has grown significantly—about tenfold compared to pre-industrial times.
