Record-breaking temperatures trigger red and orange alerts in multiple countries; emergency services battle wildfires and issue public health warnings.

June 30, Europe —
A brutal heatwave is gripping much of Europe, with countries from the Mediterranean to the Balkans experiencing record-breaking temperatures and an alarming rise in wildfire threats. Authorities have issued widespread heat alerts as emergency services scramble to respond to both health risks and fast-spreading blazes.

France has been among the hardest hit, with 84 of its 96 administrative departments placed under orange-level heat alert. French Climate Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher has described the ongoing situation as “unprecedented.” The extreme temperatures have led to the closure or partial shutdown of approximately 200 schools across the country. Education Minister Élisabeth Borne confirmed that steps are being taken with regional officials to ensure student safety, allowing parents to keep children at home where necessary.

According to the BBC, similar alerts have been issued in Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Balkan states. Spain and Portugal, in particular, have recorded their hottest June in history. In Spain’s Andalusian province of Huelva, temperatures peaked at a scorching 46°C (114.8°F) on Saturday, surpassing the long-standing 1965 record in Seville of 45.2°C. This prompted Spain’s national weather agency AEMET to issue a high-level warning, forecasting continued heat at least through Thursday.

Wildfires Spark in Southern Europe

The high heat has sparked wildfires across several regions. In Turkey, firefighters are struggling to contain a growing blaze in the western province of İzmir, fueled by strong winds. Turkish Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı confirmed that the wildfire, now in its second day, is spreading rapidly.

In France, wildfires erupted on Sunday in the southwestern Aude department, where temperatures soared beyond 40°C (104°F). Around 400 hectares of forest have already been destroyed, and fire crews are still battling to bring the flames under control. In the nearby Corbières mountain range, multiple fires broke out over the weekend, prompting evacuations and temporary highway closures.

Hospitals Face Surge in Heatstroke Cases

Health systems across Europe are under pressure. In Italy, 21 major cities — including Rome, Milan, and Venice — are under maximum alert. Mario Guarino, Vice President of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine, told AFP that emergency departments are seeing a 10% increase in heatstroke cases nationwide.

The UK is also experiencing extreme heat, with parts of England expected to reach 34°C or higher, making it potentially the hottest June day on record. Public health warnings have been issued, urging residents to stay indoors during peak daylight hours.

Portugal has issued red alerts in seven districts, including the capital, Lisbon. Meanwhile, Germany's meteorological service warned that temperatures could reach up to 38°C on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Balkan and Eastern Europe Struggle with Heat and Fires

The Balkan Peninsula is enduring similar conditions. Croatia has declared heat warnings, particularly along its coastal regions, where wildfires have also been reported. Greece, too, is suffering through temperatures near 40°C for several consecutive days, with major blazes already scorching coastal towns near Athens last week.

Further east, Serbia recorded its hottest day since records began on Wednesday, while Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, hit 38.8°C on Thursday — another all-time high. On Friday, Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, reached 42°C, and in Slovenia, Saturday marked the highest June temperature ever recorded.

Emergency Services Mobilized Across the Region

Governments across the continent have mobilized emergency medical and firefighting teams. Citizens are being urged to remain indoors, stay hydrated, and avoid physical exertion during the day. Authorities are also monitoring elderly populations and those with chronic illnesses, who are most at risk of heat-related health issues.

Meteorologists warn that the extreme weather could continue into the first week of July, with climate experts pointing to broader concerns about the accelerating impacts of global warming.

As Europe braces for another round of scorching temperatures and environmental strain, the need for climate resilience, early warning systems, and cross-border coordination has never been more urgent.