Much of southern Europe is on alert as the first heatwaves of the summer push temperatures up to 42C.
The world’s fastest-warming continent continues to suffer the effects of the climate emergency, with Spain, Portugal, Greece and France issuing extreme heat, wildfire and health warnings.
Spain’s state meteorological office, Aemet, said temperatures could reach 42C in some southern areas of the country.
Madrid’s health ministry also 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.
In France, firefighters were mobilised to tackle early summer fires as 84 of the country’s 101 administrative areas were put on a heatwave alert. Wildfires broke out in the Corbières area in the south-west, where temperatures topped 40C, forcing the evacuation of a campsite and an abbey.
As temperatures in Marseille approached 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 are on high alert for extreme heat and forest fires as temperatures of up to 42C are expected in Lisbon.
With peaks of 39C expected in Naples and Palermo, Sicily has ordered a ban on outdoor work in the hottest hours of the day, as has the Liguria region in northern Italy. The Italian Health Ministry has placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples.
Venice – which has played host to the lavish three-day wedding celebrations of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez – is also sweltering.
As temperatures in Greece approached 40C, a large wildfire broke out south of Athens, leading authorities to issue evacuation orders and shut down parts of the coastal road linking the Greek capital to Sounion, location of the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a major tourist attraction.
Five neighbourhoods in Seferihisar district were evacuated as the fire approached residential areas, the governor said, as strong winds rapidly spread the blaze.
The strong winds grounded helicopters, leaving two water-bombing aircraft and a large ground crew battling the flames, the governor added.
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.
