Severe heat waves hit southern Europe as local authorities warn against wildfire risks
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Wildfire risks as climate change fuels extreme heatwave in Southern Europe
The countries most affected are Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal, with temperatures nearing or topping 40C (104F) Local authorities have issued fresh warnings against the risk of wildfires and urged people to take shelter. Scientists say climate change is stoking hotter and more intense heatwaves, particularly in cities where the so-called ‘urban heat island’ effect amplifies temperatures among tightly packed buildings. June is set to break yet another record, becoming the hottest such month since records started, according to the AEMET, the country’s meteorological agency. In Spain, locals and tourists were desperately trying to keep cool, as temperatures reached as high as 42C (107F) in the southern city of Seville along with other locations in the south and central parts of the country. In Italy, a few regions — Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria — were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day.
Local authorities have issued fresh warnings against the risk of wildfires and urged people to take shelter, as Southern Europe experiences the summer’s first severe heatwave and as experts link the rising frequency and intensity of soaring temperatures to climate change.
Acute heatwaves were recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal through the weekend and into Sunday, with locals and tourists alike battling the sweltering conditions.
Ambulances were also on standby near tourist hot spots.
Two-thirds of Portugal was on high alert on Sunday for extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures in Lisbon expected to top 42C (107F).
In Lisbon, 39-year-old pharmacist Sofia Monnteiro told the AFP news agency that despite advising people “not to go out” during the hottest hours of the day, “we have already had some cases of heat strokes and burns”.
Several areas in the southern half of Portugal, including Lisbon, are under a red warning until Monday night due to “persistently extremely high maximum temperature values”, said the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
Firefighters mobilised in several countries to tackle blazes. Fires broke out in France and Turkiye Sunday, with other countries on heightened alert.
Much of Portugal was also on high alert Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires – as was the Italian island of Sicily, where firefighters tackled 15 blazes Saturday.
In Italy, a few regions — Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria — were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record-high temperatures. Italian trade unions pushed the government to expand such measures at a national level.
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On Sunday, the Italian Health Ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples.
Hospital emergency departments across Italy have reported an increase in heatstroke cases, according to Mario Guarino, vice president of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine.
“We’ve seen around a 10-percent increase, mainly in cities that not only have very high temperatures but also a higher humidity rate,” he told the AFP.
It is mainly elderly people, cancer patients or homeless people, presenting with dehydration, heat stroke, fatigue.”
Greece was again on high wildfire alert with the heatwave there expected to continue throughout the weekend.
A large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the ancient Temple of Poseidon.
Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes and 12 helicopters to battle the blaze, while police evacuated 40 people, with five areas under evacuation orders.
In Spain, locals and tourists were desperately trying to keep cool, as temperatures reached as high as 42C (107F) in the southern city of Seville along with other locations in the south and central parts of the country.
Southern regions of Spain recorded temperatures above seasonal averages, prompting health alerts and safety recommendations from authorities. The country’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has said that June is set to break yet another record, becoming the hottest such month since records started.
The ‘urban heat island’ effect
Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across Europe’s southern region due to global warming.
A Lancet Public Health study published last year highlighted the increasing risk of heat-related deaths due to climate change. The study predicted that heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by mid-century under current climate policies.
While more people die from cold than heat, the study stressed that rising temperatures will offset the benefits of milder winters, leading to a significant net increase in heat-related mortality.
Scientists say climate change is stoking hotter and more intense heatwaves, particularly in cities where the so-called “urban heat island” effect amplifies temperatures among tightly packed buildings.
“The heatwaves in the Mediterranean region have become more frequent and more intense in recent years, with peaks of 37 degrees [Celsius, 100F] or even more in cities, where the urban heat island effect raises the temperatures even further,” said Emanuela Piervitali, a researcher at the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA).
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Experts have warned that intense heat can affect daily life, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.
Local authorities have advised against any physical activity during the hottest hours of the day, and recommended drinking plenty of fluids.
Severe heat wave hits southern Europe and raises wildfire risks
Severe heat was recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend. Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of these heat waves to climate change. June is set to break yet another record, becoming the hottest such month since records started. Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes and 12 helicopters to battle the blaze, while police evacuated 40 people, with five areas under evacuation orders. In Italy, a few regions were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record-high temperatures. The Italian Health Ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome and Naples.
Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of these heat waves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across Europe’s southern region.
Severe heat was recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend, with locals and tourists alike taking shelter from the sweltering conditions.
Two-thirds of Portugal were on high alert Sunday for extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures expected to top 42 C (107 F) in Lisbon.
In Italy, a few regions — Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria — were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record-high temperatures. Italian trade unions pushed the government to expand such measures at a national level.
On Sunday, the Italian Health Ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples.
In Rome, tourists tried to seek shade near popular spots like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public water fountains to stay cool.
Similar scenes were reported in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to tourists and residents to offer some refreshment from the heat.
Greece was again on high wildfire alert because of extreme weather, with the first summer heat wave expected to continue throughout the weekend.
A large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the ancient Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds spread the flames, damaging homes and sending smoke across the sky.
Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes and 12 helicopters to battle the blaze, while police evacuated 40 people, with five areas under evacuation orders.
In Spain, locals and tourists were desperately trying to keep cool this weekend, as the country sizzled in temperatures as high as 42 C (107 F) in the southern city of Seville along with other locations in southern and central parts of the country.
Southern regions of Spain recorded temperatures above seasonal averages, prompting health alerts and safety recommendations from authorities. The country’s national meteorological service Aemet has said that June is set to break yet another record, becoming the hottest such month since records started.
Experts warned that intense heat can affect daily life, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.
Local authorities advised against physical activity during the hottest hours of the day, and recommended drinking plenty of fluids.
A Lancet Public Health study published last year highlighted the increasing risk of heat-related deaths because of climate change. The study predicted that heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by midcentury under current climate policies.
While more people die from cold than heat, the study stressed that rising temperatures will offset the benefits of milder winters, leading to a significant net increase in heat-related mortality.
Severe thunderstorm risk looms for central Pa. on Monday and Tuesday
A stormy pattern is set to develop across central Pennsylvania, with a significant risk of strong to severe thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday. Residents should prepare for potential severe weather, including the possibility of damaging wind gusts and heavy downpours. Temperatures will moderate, returning close to historical averages for early July, providing relief after the intense early-week storms.
The National Weather Service forecasts scattered thunderstorms developing Monday afternoon, with temperatures reaching the 80s to 90 degrees. Heat indices could climb to 90-95 degrees in the middle and lower Susquehanna Valley. A level 1/5 marginal severe thunderstorm risk is in place, with potential for downbursts and isolated damaging wind gusts.
Tuesday presents an even higher severe weather threat, with a cold front moving across the region. Meteorologists anticipate stronger storm organization, including the potential for supercells capable of producing large hail and damaging winds. The Storm Prediction Center might upgrade the severe weather risk, indicating a more significant threat.
The stormy pattern will shift dramatically by Wednesday, giving way to a much drier and more comfortable stretch of weather. Temperatures will moderate, returning close to historical averages for early July. Humidity will decrease significantly, providing relief after the intense early-week storms.
The July 4th holiday weekend looks particularly promising, with high confidence in dry, pleasant conditions. Forecasters expect very little rainfall and noticeably lower temperatures and humidity. However, signals suggest heat and humidity may return by the end of next weekend.
Residents should stay weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings, and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms develop, particularly on Monday and Tuesday afternoons and evenings.
Current weather radar
Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by PennLive.com staff.
Turkey wildfires: Izmir airport forced to close with flights cancelled and diverted
Flights were grounded to and from Adnan Menderes Airport, which serves the coastal city of İzmir, a popular tourist destination. A number of flights due to leave on Sunday evening have been suspended or cancelled, including several from Sun Express Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Aerlingus. The runway has reopened and the first flight, PC 1864 to Ercan, has successfully departed at 21:50 local time. Mayor Cemil Tugay said: “Today is a very tough day for us; we are simultaneously battling numerous fires breaking out all across our beautiful Ģzmir’s Gaziemir district”
Flights were grounded to and from Adnan Menderes Airport, which serves the coastal city of İzmir, a popular tourist destination, on Sunday (29 June).
The airport departure board shows a number of flights due to leave on Sunday evening have been suspended or cancelled, including several from Sun Express Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Aerlingus.
Flights appear to be slowly resuming late into the evening.
An airport spokesperson said: “Due to the forest fire in İzmir’s Gaziemir district and adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport was temporarily closed to air traffic as of 16:00 local time.
“Some incoming flights were diverted to alternate airports during the closure. Following the NOTAM [meaning notice to airmen], the runway has reopened and the first flight, PC 1864 to Ercan, has successfully departed at 21:50 local time. Flight operations are gradually returning to normal.”
Adnan Menderes airport was closed temporarily due to the blazes (Getty Images)
Flights on the board still show severe delays, with one Sun Express Airlines flight to London Stansted delayed by 21 hours, now set to take off at 7.30pm on Monday. An AerLingus flight to Dublin, originally due to take off at 10.20pm, has been cancelled.
Photos on social media showed clouds of smoke over İzmir as the sky turned orange with flames.
The Mayor of İzmir, Dr. Cemil Tugay, said: “Today is a very tough day for us; we are simultaneously battling numerous fires breaking out all across our beautiful İzmir. In collaboration with relevant institutions, our Fire Department, along with heavy machinery, tankers, and all field personnel, is on high alert.
“Our teams are working with all their strength to combat the fires, which have grown due to the effect of the storm, particularly in Menderes, Seferihisar, and Gaziemir. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the fires that reduce our forests to ashes are caused by human hands.
“A small act of negligence is enough to burn down an entire forest, thousands of creatures living within it, and our homes. Please, let us be extremely careful from now on. Especially in hot weather, let us steer clear of any activities that could cause a fire.”
The flames in Turkey come almost a year after the country battled wildfires in August, after the country recorded its hottest July for 53 years, with temperatures reaching 45.9C in Şırnak in the country’s southeast, according to the Turkish State Meteorological Service.
As Turkey battles its own tinder dry conditions, Europe remains on high alert as the continent faces its first major heatwave of the summer. Temperatures are expected to climb as high as 42C. Greece has already experienced blazes on the Island of Chios, while France has issued severe fire risk warnings.
Heat waves hit southern European countries
Severe heat waves recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend. Experts link rising frequency and intensity of these heatwaves to climate change. Local authorities issued fresh warnings against the risk of wildfires in Greece, Italy and Portugal. The Italian Ministry of Health yesterday placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including holiday destinations such as Rome, Milan and Naples. In Spain, locals and tourists were desperately trying to keep cool over the weekend as the country sizzled in temperatures as high as 42°C.
AP, ROME
Major heat waves across southern Europe have pushed temperatures above 40°C in countries including Italy, Spain and Greece, as local authorities issued fresh warnings against the risk of wildfires.
Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of these heatwaves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across Europe’s southern region.
Severe heat waves were recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend, with locals and tourists alike taking shelter from the sweltering conditions.
A person cools off in a fountain during a heat wave in Rome on Saturday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Two-thirds of Portugal were on high alert yesterday for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to top 42°C in Lisbon.
In Italy, a few regions — Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria — were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record-high temperatures. Italian trade unions pushed the government to expand such measures to a national level.
The Italian Ministry of Health yesterday placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including holiday destinations such as Rome, Milan and Naples.
In Rome, tourists tried to seek shade near popular spots like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public water fountains to stay cool.
Similar scenes were reported in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to tourists and residents to offer some refreshment from the heat.
Greece was again on high wildfire alert because of extreme weather.
A large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the ancient Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds spread the flames, damaging homes and sending smoke across the sky.
Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes and 12 helicopters to battle the blaze, while police evacuated 40 people, with five areas under evacuation orders.
In Spain, locals and tourists were desperately trying to keep cool over the weekend, as the country sizzled in temperatures as high as 42°C in the southern city of Seville along with other locations in southern and central parts of the country.