Heatwave grips Europe as France issues record alerts

Italy is one of a number of European countries that experienced soaring temperatures over the weekend

A powerful heatwave is gripping much of Europe, prompting record heat alerts across France and extreme weather warnings in several other countries. In France, 84 out of 96 mainland departments are under orange alert—one step below the highest level—amid what officials have called an “unprecedented” situation.

Warnings have also been issued in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the UK, and Balkan countries, including Croatia. Spain and Portugal experienced their hottest June days over the weekend, with temperatures reaching 46°C in Andalucía and 46.6°C in central Portugal.

Authorities across Europe have placed emergency medical teams on standby and advised residents to stay indoors. In France, nearly 200 schools have been closed or partially shut due to the dangerous heat, which is expected to intensify midweek. Officials are working with local authorities to ensure the safety of children, encouraging parents to keep them at home where possible.

 evacuations and closed a major motorway before they were brought under control. In Italy, 21 cities—among them Rome, Milan, and Venice—are under the highest red alert. Sardinia is also facing extreme heat.

Hospitals in Italy have reported a rise in heatstroke cases, with emergency rooms seeing a 10% increase. In the UK, parts of England could experience temperatures above 34°C, among the hottest June days ever recorded.

Portugal has placed seven districts, including Lisbon, under the highest alert level. Residents in many areas are struggling with insomnia, heat exhaustion, and loss of appetite as temperatures persist.

In Germany, forecasters warned that temperatures could reach close to 38°C on Tuesday and Wednesday, pushing river levels dangerously low and disrupting cargo shipping on the Rhine.

Several Balkan nations are also under heat stress. Turkey continues to battle widespread wildfires, including one near the coastal city of Izmir that has destroyed dozens of homes and prompted evacuations. Fires have also broken out along the Croatian coast.

In Greece, temperatures near 40°C have led to destructive wildfires near Athens. Serbia recently recorded its hottest day ever, while Bosnia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia have all reported record June temperatures.

The heatwave is also affecting ecosystems. Warmer waters in the Adriatic Sea are enabling the spread of invasive species like lionfish, while alpine glaciers are retreating at an alarming pace.

The UN’s top human rights official has warned that climate-driven events such as this heatwave threaten the basic rights to life, health, and a safe environment. The call for urgent action includes transitioning away from fossil fuels and investing in climate adaptation measures.

Scientists warn that such extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe due to human-induced climate change. The warming atmosphere, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, is intensifying heatwaves and making them longer-lasting, drying out soil and heightening wildfire risk across the continent.