Spain Sees Record-Breaking Heat as European Nations Battle Continual Heatwave

Severe heat has gripped many regions across Europe, with Spain setting a new record of 46C in El Granado.

A relentless heatwave is sweeping across Europe, forcing authorities to issue urgent health advisories as extreme temperatures persist. Southern Spain is grappling with some of the harshest conditions, with Seville and surrounding areas reporting temperatures soaring to the mid-40s Celsius. Spain’s national weather service recently confirmed a staggering new June high of 46C in El Granado, on track to make this month the hottest June ever recorded.

Red heat warnings have impacted several countries, including Portugal, Italy, and Croatia, while amber alerts blanket vast regions of Spain, France, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. The alarming toll of the heat is underscored by a tragic incident in Barcelona where a woman died after her shift as a road sweeper. Local authorities have opened an investigation into her death linked to the oppressive temperatures.

In Italy, emergency rooms are witnessing an increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly afflicting vulnerable populations like the elderly, cancer patients, and the homeless. Noteworthy measures have been undertaken in cities such as Bologna, where seven climatized shelters have been established for community relief, alongside free access to swimming pools for persons over 70 in Rome.

Reports from Portugal highlight challenges faced by pharmacological professionals, who are struggling to advise against venturing outdoors during peak heat hours amidst rising cases of heatstroke. The extreme weather has also stretched across the western Balkans, with temperatures surpassing 40C; Serbia recorded its highest temperature in over a century. Meanwhile, Slovenia marked its hottest June temperature on record, and North Macedonia reached a sizzling 42C on Friday.

The heatwave is expected to intensify in various regions throughout the week. Forecasts indicate rising temperatures across France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, with yellow and amber alerts activated for multiple areas in England, where London may experience peaks up to 35C on Monday. The ongoing heatwave is attributed to a large high-pressure system causing dry air to descend and elevate temperatures, a phenomenon anticipated to shift eastward, carrying persistently high readings along with it.

While direct links between climate change and specific weather events are complex, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are increasingly attributed to climate change. According to scientists from World Weather Attribution, the likelihood of June heatwaves featuring three consecutive days above 28C has surged tenfold since pre-industrial times, highlighting the dire impact of our warming planet.