Red Alert Heat Warnings Issued Across Europe as Temperatures Soar

02/07/2025 – 15:00 GMT+2

Europe is facing another scorching wave this week as an exceptional African anticyclone continues to bring extreme heat across the continent. With mercury levels soaring above 40°C in many regions, authorities have issued new red alert heat warnings for several countries, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and the UK. Emergency cases are on the rise, with scientists warning that these heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, directly linked to climate change.

Italy: Highs Above 40°C and a National Health Crisis

In Rome, residents and tourists alike are finding creative ways to combat the stifling heat as temperatures climb above 40°C. Popular cooling methods include dunking arms and faces into the city’s fountains and enjoying ice creams along the way.

Italy’s Health Ministry has issued red alert heat warnings for 17 cities, including Rome, Florence, Turin, and Milan. To help those struggling with the extreme temperatures, the Civil Protection set up air-conditioned tents throughout the city, along with mobile units distributing bottles of water from the Colosseum to the Vatican.

But the heatwave hasn’t come without tragedy. On Monday, a tragic incident occurred near Bologna where a construction worker died after the intense heat contributed to an accident on site. Additionally, a drowning occurred in the Fréjus River in northern Italy due to rapid flooding.

Spain: Wildfires and Record-Setting Temperatures

In Spain, the Catalonia region was hit hard by a wildfire that claimed the lives of two people on Tuesday. Emergency services are still on high alert as the country braces for additional wildfires, with wind and thunderstorms predicted to worsen conditions on Wednesday.

The country recorded its first heatwave of the year, and Huelva hit a record 46°C on Saturday. With no respite in sight until Thursday, residents, particularly in Madrid, are struggling to manage the sweltering temperatures.

The Netherlands: Cooling Relief in Soest

In the Netherlands, the town of Soest found a novel way to bring relief to residents. Firefighters set up a cooling station in a local park, where families joined in an impromptu water fight, spraying each other with water pistols to stay cool. The initiative was met with positive feedback from the local community, with many appreciating the fun and refreshing break from the heat.

France: Paris Traps Heat in Historic Streets

In Paris, soaring temperatures are highlighting how the city’s dense urban landscape traps and radiates heat. Erwan Cordeau, an urban climatologist, explained that the limestone facades of Parisian buildings absorb heat throughout the day and release it long into the night, causing overnight temperatures to stay six to seven degrees hotter than the suburbs.

The French capital is adapting with initiatives like the creation of green island parks in the west of the city, providing shaded areas that help reduce the heat for vulnerable residents. However, urban experts believe that further adaptations—like adding solar shades, installing shutters, or planting vegetation—will be key to making cities more resilient to the growing number of heatwaves.

The Bigger Picture: Climate Change’s Growing Impact

As Europe swelters under intense heat, experts are drawing a direct link between the rising frequency and severity of these heatwaves and climate change. Scientists have been warning for years that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, particularly across the southern regions of Europe, as the planet warms.

With this summer heatwave still in full swing, Europe faces a harsh reminder that climate change is already here—and its impacts are being felt more severely each year.

Stay safe and hydrated as Europe battles this unprecedented heatwave.