This week, southern Europe is experiencing a severe heat wave with record-breaking temperatures, health warnings and increased wildfire risks across the region.
Countries are facing some of the most extreme conditions in decades in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece, as meteorological agencies and governments strive to support vulnerable populations and lessen the impact of the extreme heat.
Historic Heat, Health Warnings
This heat wave is remarkable not only in its severity, but as it occurs at the very beginning of summer. It is breaking heat records that have stood for many decades. In Spain, a temperature of 46 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees Fahrenheit) was reported near El Granado, a small town close to the border with Portugal, which will likely be the new national record for June if validated.
Portugal is also reaching temperatures soaring north of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), with some regions expecting temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit) over the next days, and France, Italy and Greece have also issued extreme heat warnings with temperatures predicted to exceed 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) and in some regions, even hotter results.
Public health officials have issued red alerts and are advising the public to take action. The Spanish Ministry of Health has formally issued high-risk warnings in a number of regions in the north and west including, and be careful regarding hydration, avoid sunlight during peak times, and monitor vulnerable groups including, the elderly, babies, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions, Portugal has also issued alerts, are warning about potentially lengthening the emergency services and cities such as Lisbon are under regular updates regarding heat.
Understanding the Heat- An Ongoing Heat Dome
The extreme heat across southern Europe is the result of a large area of high pressure, called a heat dome, which is trapping hot air and keeping cool air at bay. This heat dome has been building since mid-June 2023 and does not appear to weaken until, at the earliest, early July. The heat dome effect has held temperatures 10–15°C (18–27°F) higher than normal just for this time of year, and there has been little or no cooling at night.
To make matters worse, there is an ongoing drought and low humidity which is not just compounding the heat; it is elevating the risk of wildfires as well. In Greece, for instance, high temperatures combined with strong winds have started fires south of Athens, leading to evacuations and coast guard and helicopter crews being called to help.
Human Impact: Normal Life to Emergency Activity
The extreme heat wave that pushes the southern European region is having serious impacts on normal life, particularly for outdoor workers, athletes, and vacationers. In the city of Marseille, France, municipal pools have been opened for free to allow residents to cool off. In Sicily, local authorities have outlawed outdoor work steps between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. during the heat of the day to protect workers in extreme heat. Health facilities, community health organizations and emergent care systems publicly expect a rise in heat illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration during heat events and are preparing accordingly.
Extreme heat is also beginning to get in the way of events as well. The Wimbledon tennis tournament that takes place in London is preparing for possibly their hottest opening day in history with forecasted temperatures to hover at about 35°C/95°F. Governmental advisories were issued and local health services in many cases began preparing for expected increase in service demand. In southern England, peak hot conditions are expected to be in that range too.
Climate Change and Future Risks
Meteorologists point out that the heat wave affecting southern Europe is not an isolated incidence, but rather part of an overall pattern driven by climate change. While each summer new, heat waves become more frequent, intense, and longer in duration. Previous heat records are broken routinely, and each event raises new questions regarding public health, public infrastructure and planning.
Today’s event reminds us that health action plans for extreme heat, knowledge of urban cooling options, and protections for vulnerable populations are all an essential part of planning and responding to the health impacts of climate change.
As the severe heat wave continues to impact southern Europe, the region is now at a test of civil resilience. Much of the region is experiencing extreme heat and temperature combinations where humans generally should not be exposed. The risk to health services and emergency services is enormous and the risk of a wildfire disaster is imminent. As evidenced in other parts of the world, climate adaptation, climate preparedness and collective social action are urgently needed. For the time being, however, millions will be advised to stay safe, stay cool, and to look out for each other amidst the continuing deluge of extreme heat in the news.