Southern Europe is in the grip of an unusually early and dangerous heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40 °C in cities across Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Lisbon reached a scorching 42 °C, while Rome, Milan, and Naples were placed under maximum heat alerts. In Portugal, authorities have issued high wildfire warnings for nearly two-thirds of the country. Health officials in multiple countries are urging residents and tourists to stay indoors during peak sun hours and avoid strenuous activity. Scientists warn that these heat extremes, once rare, are becoming common due to accelerating climate change, which is pushing up average temperatures and bringing deadly weather earlier each year.
Greece has already seen the consequences of the heatwave, with a large wildfire erupting south of Athens near the historic Temple of Poseidon. Over 130 firefighters, 12 planes, and helicopters were deployed, while evacuations were ordered in five areas. Authorities fear more wildfires may follow, as hot, dry conditions persist across the region. What’s new this year is the scale
and speed of the response: the European Union has pre-positioned fire crews and equipment in vulnerable countries, and governments are adopting real-time satellite monitoring and stricter outdoor work rules. The escalating situation highlights how climate change is transforming the summer landscape in Southern Europe—making extreme heat and fire risk the new normal. More