(MENAFN) Southern areas of Europe are undergoing their initial significant heatwave of the summer season, with mercury levels surging beyond 40°C (104°F) in Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and France.

This extreme weather event has triggered numerous health advisories and heightened the likelihood of wildfires across the region.

In Portugal, approximately two-thirds of the nation was placed under elevated warning status on Sunday.

Temperatures in Lisbon, the capital, were predicted to climb to 42°C (107.6°F).

The country's official meteorological body released alerts regarding “extreme fire danger” affecting a substantial part of the landmass.

The Spanish meteorological agency, Aemet, issued a focused advisory, cautioning that “very high and persistent temperatures” might seriously endanger at-risk communities, especially in the southern city of Seville, where temperatures similarly peaked at 42°C.

Public health authorities in multiple countries advised residents to stay out of direct sunlight, maintain adequate fluid intake, and monitor older adults and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

In Italy, the Ministry of Health placed 21 of the nation's 27 principal urban centers — among them Rome, Milan, and Naples — on the highest-level “red alert” due to extreme heat conditions.

Several Italian regions, such as Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria, disclosed strategies to halt outdoor labor during the hottest times of the day.

In Sicily and Liguria, such prohibitions are already active, while labor unions are pressing the national government to implement similar measures throughout the entire country.

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