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- Heatwave Breaks 60 year Record In Spain, Temperature 46°C, European Countries Affected | Italy, Portugual
June 29 was the hottest day so far in Spain.
Many European countries are facing an extreme heatwave, with Spain recording its hottest day in history on 29 June. Most regions in Spain experienced temperatures of 46°C, surpassing the previous high of 45.2°C recorded in Seville in June 1965.
Spain’s weather agency AEMET reported that El Granado recorded 46°C on Saturday. Similar conditions are affecting France, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
In Portugal, Mora reached a scorching 46.6°C on Sunday, marking the country’s highest temperature this year. Italy and Croatia are under red alerts for the heatwave, while 88% of France is under an ‘orange’ heat alert for the first time.
Heatwave in European countries in 10 pictures
The temperature in Seville, Spain, was recorded at 44°C on Monday.
A woman in Barcelona, Spain protecting herself from the sun using two umbrellas.
A woman protects herself from the sun with a fan during the heat in Seville, Spain, on Monday.
A forest fire broke out in Bizanet, France, due to an intense heatwave, on Monday.
In Valencia, Spain, residents sought relief from the scorching heat by cooling off under water fountains on Sunday.
People are protecting themselves from intense sunlight with umbrellas during severe heat in Spain.
Heat in Spain broke a 60-year record in June.
A girl was seen pouring water over her head to cope with the intense heat near the Vatican in Rome.
In Rome on Monday, tourists were seen taking breaks in front of cooling fans installed along the streets.
On Monday, people in Rome, Italy, sought relief from the intense heat by cooling off in public fountains.
Europe grapples with heatwave
Rome offers free pool access for elderly
Rome has introduced free access to city swimming pools for residents aged over 70. The measure aims to combat the rising cases of heatstroke, particularly among the elderly, cancer patients, and homeless individuals.
Record temperatures in the western Balkans
The heatwave has pushed temperatures in Western Balkan countries above 40°C. Serbia recorded its highest-ever temperature since the 19th century, while Slovenia experienced its hottest June day on record. In North Macedonia, temperatures soared to 42°C on 27 June.
Italy and Portugal on high alert
Italy has placed 21 out of its 27 cities on high alert, with hospital admissions due to heat-related illnesses rising by 20%. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors between 11 AM and 6 PM. In Portugal, 7 out of 18 regions are under a red alert, although relief is expected by Wednesday night.
A stark warning for the Future
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasised that extreme heat is no longer rare. Michael Byrne, a climate scientist at St. Andrews University, noted that Europe is now 2°C warmer than before, intensifying heatwaves.
Experts warn that heat currently causes 500,000 deaths globally each year, primarily affecting the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
In Europe, heat-related deaths could reach 80,000 annually by the end of the century. Doctors recommend staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and caring for vulnerable neighbours to mitigate risks.