Red Alerts Across Europe Amid Record Heatwave, Temperature Soars To 46°C In Spain's Mora

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 09:18 IST

The summer’s first major heatwave has sent temperatures soaring across the Mediterranean region, pushing the sea itself to its highest June temperature on record

People refresh themselves at a public fountain during a heatwave in Paris. (AFP)

A relentless heatwave gripping southern Europe has pushed cities into crisis mode, with Paris on red alert, temperatures in Spain and Portugal smashing records, and wildfires forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. As extreme heat fuels health emergencies and environmental disasters, meteorologists warn this could be a preview of summers to come.

The summer’s first major heatwave has sent temperatures soaring across the Mediterranean region, pushing the sea itself to its highest June temperature on record. In France, the national weather service issued its highest alert for Paris and 15 surrounding departments, forecasting temperatures as high as 41°C (105.8°F).

To combat hazardous ozone pollution, authorities in Paris banned all but the least polluting vehicles from roads and imposed speed restrictions. Ambulances were deployed near major tourist areas, while experts warned that heatwaves—intensified by climate change—are now becoming more frequent and severe.

In Turkey, more than 50,000 people were evacuated from the Izmir province, where winds clocking 120 km/h (75 mph) worsened wildfires. Meanwhile, southern France battled fires triggered by something as simple as an improperly extinguished barbecue, destroying nearly 1,000 acres of vegetation.

Cities scrambled to offer relief: Marseille opened swimming pools for free, Bordeaux extended park hours, and Venice arranged air-conditioned museum tours for the elderly.

Record-breaking temperatures were logged across the Iberian Peninsula, with Spain hitting 46°C and Portugal recording 46.6°C in Mora, both setting new June records. Red alerts remained active across multiple regions, including Lisbon, as wildfires spread in forested areas.

In Italy, terrifying scenes unfolded as beachgoers in Baia Domizia near Naples fled into the sea, with flames engulfing pinewoods behind them. “I have never experienced anything like this. We were surrounded by flames at least 30 meters high," said Cellole’s mayor, Guido di Leone.

In France, the government announced that over 1,300 schools would be closed or operating in limited capacity due to the heat, nearly double the number from the previous day. The heatwave is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, with some cities preparing for it to stretch into the weekend.

Elsewhere, Italy issued red alerts for 18 cities, including Rome, Milan, Palermo, and Verona. Politicians raised alarms over the inhumane conditions in the country’s overcrowded prisons, where heat exacerbates tensions—a concern echoed in French prisons, with union leaders calling the conditions “unbearable."

Further east, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia are under extreme heat advisories, with Serbia also facing severe drought conditions.

Even typically cooler regions felt the strain. In the UK, the Met Office expanded amber heat warnings as temperatures hit 34°C in London, and Wimbledon logged its hottest opening day ever at 31.4°C.

“It’s not normal," said Madrid-based photographer Diego Radames, echoing what millions across Europe are thinking. “Every year feels hotter, especially in the city."

Climate scientists continue to emphasize that rising global temperatures are making such extreme heat events longer, stronger, and more dangerous, especially in cities where heat tends to intensify due to dense infrastructure.

News world Red Alerts Across Europe Amid Record Heatwave, Temperature Soars To 46°C In Spain's Mora