Temperatures sore in southern Europe as countries battle heatwave

Temperatures are reaching at least 40 degrees Celsius or more on the last day of June in southern Europe with countries issuing health and environmental warnings in France, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Spain is particularly on high alert with temperatures being forecast at 43 degrees Celsius in Seville on Monday.

Even London’s parks were beginning to turn brown and inhabitants sweltered on Sunday (29 June) as the temperature rose past 30 degrees celsius – about 10 degrees above average.

In Greece, tourists visiting the Acropolis used umbrellas and fans to protect themselves, while locals retreated indoors, as temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) gripped the Greek capital on Friday.

Greek authorities banned outdoor activities for builders and delivery staff from 0900 to 1400 GMT on the 27 June and advised against unnecessary travel.

Workers had the option of switching to remote working to avoid possible heat exhaustion, while air-conditioned facilities were provided for the elderly.

Situated at Europe's southernmost tip in the Mediterranean Sea, Greece has always had hot and dry summers.

But in recent years, climate change has led to longer and more severe heatwaves, as well as wildfires and destructive floods.

Hot weather causes more than half a million deaths annually — more than war or terrorism — with the elderly, outdoor workers, and poorer communities most at risk, according to the World Health Organization.

Last summer alone, there were more than 60,000 excess deaths in Europe which were linked to extreme heat across the continent. Southern countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece have experienced repeated heatwaves with temperatures above 40°C, while northern nations, historically unprepared for such extremes, are also increasingly affected.

Extreme heat places severe stress on the human body, especially when hot nights prevent recovery. Organs like the heart and kidneys are overworked as the body struggles to stay cool.

Heatwaves also lead to more accidents, air pollution, wildfires, and power outages — compounding pressure on health services.

Outdoor workers such as farmers and construction crews face the highest immediate risks. But most heat-related deaths occur among the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and low-income communities lacking access to air conditioning, insulation, or green spaces. Women are also more vulnerable than men.

Health experts recommend staying indoors during the hottest hours, closing windows during the day and opening them at night, using curtains to block sunlight, drinking water regularly, wearing light clothing, and checking in on older or vulnerable neighbours.

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