Europe scorches under heatwave: Greece to Italy face record-breaking temperatures

Extreme heatwave hits Europe

Europe is bracing for an exceptional heatwave expected on the weekend, with temperatures expected to be as high as 42 degrees Celsius in some countries, as the fastest-warming continent continues to suffer the effects of the climate emergency.

From Portugal to France, several countries across Europe have issued heat warnings and special alerts.

Spain's state meteorological agency, Aemet, issued a special heat warning on Friday, forecasting temperatures could reach 42°C in some southern regions. “Very high and persistent temperatures are expected, both during the day and at night, which could pose a risk to exposed and/or vulnerable people,” Aemet said.

Health ministry of Spain has warned people to take extra care in the heat, reminding them to stay out of the sun, keep hydrated and pay close attention to those who are older, pregnant or who have chronic health conditions.

According to France's official weather service, four southern departments including the Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard, Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales are under heatwave alerts, while 14 departments are expected to be on Saturday.

As temperatures in Marseille approach 40C, authorities in France's second-largest city have ordered public swimming pools to be made free of charge to help residents beat the Mediterranean heat.

Two-thirds of Portugal will be on high alert on Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires as temperatures of up to 42C are expected in Lisbon.

The Portuguese weather service issued yellow and orange warnings across much of the country.

From Milan to North Palermo, around 17 cities in Italy were placed on red alert due to high temperatures, with peaks reaching 39°C. The intense heat drove many tourists and pilgrims in Rome’s Eternal City to seek relief at its 2,500 public fountains.

A wildfire broke out south of Athens as temperatures in Greece approached 40°C, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders and close sections of the coastal road connecting the capital to Sounion, home to the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a popular tourist site.

Germany is expecting to see its hottest day of the year on Tuesday with temperatures forecast to reach almost 40C.

It is likely to feel a lot hotter than that as high humidity makes it hard to keep cool and adds to the potential discomfort. Even at night, some areas are not expected to drop below 20C bringing what are known as tropical nights.

The German Weather Service (DWD) measured the country's highest temperatures this year on Monday at 35.7C in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler in Rhineland-Palatinate. As the heat spreads northeastwards temperatures of 37C are expected in some parts of the country which would yet again break the record.

A heat alert has been issued for most of the country bar parts of the North and Baltic Sea coastlines. Level 2 and level 3 warnings were also issued for parts of Baden-Wurttemberg, particularly the area around Schweighausen and Oberprechtal, northeast of Freiburg.

The heatwave follows a series of broken extreme-heat records, including Europe's hottest March ever, according to the EU's Copernicus climate monitor. As a result of the planet's warming, extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heatwaves, have become more frequent and intense, scientists warn.

(With agency inputs)