A severe heatwave has gripped Europe, prompting Italian regions to ban outdoor work during peak heat hours, France to close over 1,350 schools, and Spain to confirm its hottest June on record with an average temperature of 23.6°C. Health alerts have been issued across the continent as temperatures reached 40-41°C in parts of France and triggered red alerts in 17 Italian cities, including Milan and Rome.
Authorities are investigating heat-related deaths, including a street sweeper in Barcelona and a construction worker near Bologna. Scientists warn Europe is heating at twice the global average due to climate change, with Mediterranean sea temperatures up to 6°C above normal, amplifying the extreme heat over land. The Red Cross has opened air-conditioned “climate refuges” in Spain to help residents cope.
As extreme heatwaves become more frequent and deadly, killing up to 480,000 people annually worldwide, residents and tourists across Europe are adapting by limiting outdoor activities, staying hydrated, and seeking shelter during the hottest hours of the day.
