Europe Braces for Major Heatwave: Up to +42°C Expected

The authorities in European countries are on high alert for the first major heatwave in 2025, which will cause air temperatures to rise to 42°C in some places.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to The Guardian.

In Spain, Portugal, Greece and France, the population is being warned of the potential danger and is preparing for possible forest fires.

In particular, Spain's state meteorological office has issued a special warning that temperatures in some southern regions of the country could reach 42°C in the next few days.

‘Very high and persistent temperatures are expected both during the day and at night, which may pose risks to vulnerable groups and those exposed to the sun,’ the country warned.

The Madrid Ministry of Health has urged the population to avoid direct sunlight, drink plenty of fluids and be attentive to the health of the elderly, pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases.

On 29 June, two-thirds of Portugal is on high alert due to extreme heat of up to 42°C and possible forest fires.

As temperatures in France's second-largest city, Marseille, approach 40°C, local authorities have ordered free admission to public swimming pools to help locals safely survive the heat.

In Sicily and Liguria, Italy, the authorities have banned outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day. Local trade unions are calling for this rule to be extended to other regions of the country.

On Thursday, a large forest fire broke out south of Athens as temperatures in Greece approached 40°C. As a result, the local population was evacuated and part of the coastal road, where the main tourist attraction, the ancient temple of Poseidon, is located, was closed.