Southern Europe swelters as 2025's first major heatwave triggers wildfire, health alerts

Southern Europe is experiencing its first major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures soaring above 40C (104F) across Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal and France, prompting widespread health warnings and raising the risk of wildfires.

In Portugal, two-thirds of the country was placed on high alert Sunday, with temperatures in the capital Lisbon forecast to reach 42C (107.6F). The national meteorological service issued warnings of extreme fire danger across much of the territory.

Spain's weather agency Aemet issued a special alert, warning that “very high and persistent temperatures” could pose a serious threat to vulnerable populations, particularly in the southern city of Seville, where temperatures also hit 42C.

Health officials urged the public to avoid sun exposure, stay hydrated and check on the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

In Italy, the Health Ministry placed 21 of the country's 27 major cities, including Rome, Milan and Naples, under red alert.

Several regions, including Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria, announced plans to suspend outdoor work during peak heat hours. In Sicily and Liguria, bans on outdoor labor have already been introduced, while trade unions are calling on the government to extend such measures nationwide.

France also braced for extreme temperatures, with 84 of its 101 departments placed under heatwave alert as forecasts pointed to highs above 40C.

In the Aude region, wildfires forced the evacuation of a campsite and an abbey. In Marseille, public swimming pools were opened free of charge to help residents cope with the heat.

In Greece, authorities responded to a large wildfire that broke out south of Athens last Thursday. Five areas were evacuated and a section of the coastal highway near the ancient Temple of Poseidon was closed due to the blaze.

Meanwhile, in the UK, amber heat-health alerts have been issued for five regions, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and the East of England, until Tuesday, with temperatures expected to reach 36C on Monday.

A yellow alert remains in place for Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands. The London Fire Brigade also warned of a “severe” wildfire risk amid continued dry conditions.

All these recent heatwaves come after Copernicus, the EU's climate monitoring agency, confirmed that March 2025 was the hottest March ever recorded in Europe, with average temperatures 2.41C above the 1991–2020 norm.