Europe scorched by record-breaking early heat wave

An early-season heat wave pushed temperatures above 40°C across Europe over the weekend triggering red alerts and wildfire warnings.

An intense heat wave swept across Europe over the weekend, sending temperatures soaring past 40°C in multiple countries and setting new early-summer records as authorities issued heat alerts and wildfire warnings.

In Spain, the town of El Granado recorded 46°C on Sunday, setting a new national heat record for June. The previous high of 45.2°C was set in Seville in 1965.

In Italy, 21 cities—including Milan, Naples, Venice, Florence, and Rome—were placed on high alert. In Greece, authorities warned of wildfire risks as strong winds fuelled a large fire south of Athens on Thursday, prompting evacuations near the ancient Temple of Poseidon and damaging nearby homes.

Portugal also faced extreme heat, with temperatures above 40°C expected and Lisbon placed under a 'red warning' for dangerous heat through Monday night, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere.

London is forecast to reach 35°C on Monday, potentially marking the UK’s hottest day of the year so far.

Experts warn that heat waves are becoming more frequent and arriving earlier due to human-driven climate change.

Copied