A severe heatwave has claimed at least three lives and ignited numerous wildfires across southern Europe, displacing thousands. Parts of Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Balkans are under red heat alerts, with temperatures exceeding 40C (104F), posing severe health risks. Spain anticipates temperatures reaching 44C (111.2F) in Seville and Cordoba, and southern Portugal may also see similar highs.
In Spain, a worker at an equestrian center succumbed to severe burns in Tres Cantos near Madrid, where strong winds pushed flames toward homes, prompting evacuations of hundreds. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated rescue efforts are vigorously combating the fires, and almost 4,000 people have been evacuated in Castile and Leon due to over 30 fires, one threatening the UNESCO-listed Las Médulas. Around 2,000 people have been evacuated in Andalusia near Tarifa. Nearly 1,000 soldiers are aiding wildfire control nationwide. In Portugal, firefighters are tackling large fires, with the most severe near Trancoso having been contained with assistance from Moroccan planes.
In Italy, a child died from heatstroke amid a forecast of rising temperatures, and red alerts are in place for several cities. A four-year-old Romanian boy died in Rome from heatstroke-induced brain damage after being found unconscious in a car in Sardinia. Most of France is under heat alerts, anticipating temperatures of 36C in Paris and 40C in Rhône Valley. French hospitals are preparing for the consequences of the country’s second heatwave within weeks.
Greece is fighting over 150 wildfires, fueled by strong winds, with mass evacuations on Zakynthos and in Achaia, where fires have damaged infrastructure. In Chios, rescue boats are saving beachgoers from advancing fires. The Greek authorities warn of worsening conditions.
Turkey has managed to control significant fires, having closed the Dardanelles Strait and Canakkale airport. In Montenegro, a soldier died, and a colleague was injured when their water tanker overturned fighting fires. Albania saw evacuations due to wildfires, while Croatia contained a large fire in Split. The UK faces its fourth heatwave this year, with temperatures reaching 33C and heat alerts across England; grassfires have erupted in London. Scientists link global warming to more intense Mediterranean fire seasons. Additional reporting by Nikos Papanikolaou.