Europe Swelters in First Heatwave of the Summer as Continent Continues to Warm

MARSEILLE, 29 June 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Southern Europe is enduring its first major heatwave of the northern hemisphere summer, a stark reminder of the intensifying effects of climate change on the world’s fastest-warming continent.

Scientists have long warned that the continued burning of fossil fuels is driving global temperatures higher, with catastrophic environmental consequences. Europe’s increasingly frequent and severe summer heatwaves are a direct symptom of this global warming trend.

🔴 Red Alerts and Soaring Temperatures

🇮🇹 Italy: Red Alerts Across the Nation

Italy has issued red heat alerts for 17 cities, including Milan in the north and Palermo in the south. Rome’s public fountains have become refuges for thousands of overheated tourists, while Venice sweltered during Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ wedding on Friday.

“There is no wind, a lot of humidity, we are sweating, and I’m suffocating at night,”
– Alejandra Echeverria, 40, tourist from Mexico

In Sicily, where temperatures reached 39°C, authorities have banned outdoor work during the hottest hours. The Liguria region in northern Italy has adopted similar measures. Trade unions are lobbying for nationwide application of the ban.

🇫🇷 France: From Marseille to Nice

In Marseille, temperatures hovered around 40°C on Saturday. Local authorities responded by opening public pools free of charge. In Tours, schools will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, while Orleans has made entry to certain air-conditioned museums free and extended park hours.

In Nice, where midday temperatures hit 33°C (91°F), locals and tourists sought relief in misted parks and cooling fountains.

“We’re not going to stay cooped up all day,” said a retiree resting in the shaded Promenade du Paillon.

Families flocked to public sprays. Florence Oleari, a GP and mother, said:

“We live in a city-centre flat without a pool, and the sea is tricky with a two-year-old.”

Triathlon Under Heat Precautions

Nice is hosting a triathlon Sunday involving:

• 🏊 3.8 km swim
• 🚴 180 km cycle with 2,600m elevation
• 🏃 Full marathon

Authorities have issued health advisories and installed ice and electrolyte stations.

“If I feel unwell, I’ll stop,” said Frederic Devroye from Brussels.

🇵🇹 Portugal and 🇪🇸 Spain: Scorching Temperatures & Record Alerts

Portugal is on high alert, with Lisbon expecting 42°C. Authorities have also issued wildfire warnings.

Spain, where summer wildfires are becoming annual threats, may have broken a national June heat record with 46°C recorded in El Granado (Huelva). Seville reached 43°C, forcing locals and tourists to take extreme precautions.

“Lots of cream, sun protection everywhere, and very light clothing,” said Marta Corona, 60, waving a handheld fan.

“People come asking for water and drinks, that’s what sells,” added Fernando Serrano, 69, a kiosk owner.

🌍 Climate Context & Rising Costs

Europe’s current heatwave comes amid a sequence of climate records, including the hottest March on record.

📊 Europe is warming at nearly twice the global average since the 1980s, says the EU’s Copernicus and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

As warming intensifies, scientists warn that extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more severe.

💸 In 2024 – the hottest year ever recorded – climate-related disasters worldwide were estimated to cost over $300 billion.

🧊 Public Response & Cooling Measures Snapshot