(MENAFN) Southern Europe is currently grappling with its first intense heatwave of the summer, as temperatures surge past 40C (104F) across key nations including Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and France. This extreme heatwave has triggered widespread health warnings and heightened wildfire risks throughout the region.

In Portugal, authorities raised the alert level for two-thirds of the country on Sunday, anticipating soaring temperatures up to 42C (107.6F) in the capital city, Lisbon. The national meteorological service issued urgent warnings about the heightened danger of wildfires affecting much of the territory.

Spain’s official weather agency, Aemet, issued a special alert emphasizing that “very high and persistent temperatures” could seriously endanger vulnerable groups, especially in southern Seville, where the mercury also climbed to 42C.

Health officials across the region stressed the importance of avoiding direct sun exposure, maintaining hydration, and monitoring the well-being of the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

In Italy, the Health Ministry declared a red alert for 21 out of 27 major cities, including Rome, Milan, and Naples. Several regions such as Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria announced intentions to halt outdoor work during peak heat hours, while Sicily and Liguria have already banned outdoor labor. Trade unions are pushing the government to implement these protective measures nationwide.

France prepared for relentless heat with 84 of its 101 departments placed under heatwave warnings as forecasts predicted temperatures above 40C. The Aude region faced wildfire evacuations involving a campsite and an abbey, while Marseille opened public swimming pools free of charge to help residents combat the heat.

In Greece, authorities tackled a large wildfire that erupted south of Athens last Thursday, forcing evacuations in five areas. A coastal highway section near the ancient Temple of Poseidon was also closed due to the fire.

Meanwhile, the UK issued amber heat-health alerts for five regions — East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and the East of England — effective until Tuesday, with temperatures expected to peak at 36C on Monday. Yellow alerts remain active for Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands. The London Fire Brigade additionally warned of a “severe” wildfire risk amid ongoing dry conditions.

These heatwaves follow a stark climate milestone: Copernicus, the EU’s climate monitoring agency, confirmed that March 2025 was the hottest March ever recorded in Europe, with average temperatures 2.41C above the 1991–2020 baseline.

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