Europe braces for sweltering heatwave as temperatures soar

Authorities across Southern Europe are implementing emergency measures to combat the season’s first major heatwave, which has sent temperatures skyrocketing across Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. With climate scientists warning of the increasing frequency and intensity of such heat events, governments are urging citizens to protect vulnerable populations and adapt to the prolonged extreme heat.

Rising temperatures and health risks

In southern Spain and Portugal, temperatures are forecast to peak at an intense 43°C (109°F), while nearly all of France faces prolonged heat, with experts predicting the sweltering conditions will persist for days. Italy has placed 21 cities, including Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, and Naples, under high-alert warnings as hospitals report a surge in heat-related illnesses.

Mario Guarino, vice president of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine, noted a 10% increase in cases of heatstroke and dehydration, particularly among the elderly, cancer patients, and homeless populations. "These cases are more prevalent in cities with both high temperatures and elevated humidity levels," Guarino said, adding that hospitals have implemented rapid treatment pathways, including cold water immersion therapy.

Innovative responses to protect the vulnerable

Cities across Southern Europe are rolling out innovative measures to provide relief. In Naples, hospitals have established dedicated pathways for heatstroke patients. Bologna has created seven "climate shelters" equipped with air conditioning and drinking water, while Florence has enlisted doctors to monitor at-risk individuals. Rome is offering free access to public swimming pools for residents over 70, and Venice is providing air-conditioned museum tours for seniors.

These measures are becoming increasingly necessary as urban areas bear the brunt of heatwaves due to the "urban heat island" effect, which traps heat among densely packed buildings. Emanuela Piervitali, a researcher at Italy's Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), emphasized that Mediterranean heatwaves have grown more intense, with temperatures regularly surpassing 37°C in cities. "We must prepare for even higher peaks in the future," she warned.

Environmental and ecological impacts

The heatwave is also taking a toll on biodiversity. In France, soaring temperatures have reached dangerous levels for wildlife, particularly birds. Allain Bougrain-Dubourg, president of the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO), reported that care centers are overwhelmed as they rescue heat-stricken birds from across the country.

Meanwhile, warming Mediterranean waters are attracting invasive species adapted to tropical climates. ISPRA has launched a public campaign to monitor sightings of venomous species, such as lionfish and silver-cheeked toadfish, which are increasingly appearing in southern Italy’s waters. The organization is urging fishermen and tourists to report these potentially hazardous species to mitigate ecological risks.

Fires and red alerts

The heatwave has also heightened the risk of wildfires. Two-thirds of Portugal is under high alert, with the capital Lisbon and other southern regions on red warning for extreme heat. Sicily, one of Italy’s most heat-affected areas, reported 15 wildfires over the weekend, as firefighters worked to contain the blazes.

As Southern Europe grapples with this intensifying heatwave, experts stress the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect both people and ecosystems.