Red heat alerts issued in France, Italy and Spain as 40C temperatures forecast

Across Western and Central Europe, a severe heatwave has gripped multiple countries, prompting the issuance of red heat alerts in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and even extending to the United Kingdom. Forecasters warn that temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C, with some regions anticipating peaks of up to 44°C. This unprecedented wave of scorching heat has led to widespread disruptions, health concerns, and tragic incidents, underscoring the growing impact of climate change on daily life.

The heatwave is attributed to a mass of hot air originating from the Sahara Desert, which has moved northward into the region, creating a persistent and intense heat dome over much of southern and central Europe. According to Météo-France, the French National Meteorological Agency, the current conditions could mark one of the longest and most severe heatwaves in recent history. Since 1947, France has experienced 51 heatwaves, with 34 occurring since 2000 and 26 since 2011—a stark indication of the increasing frequency of such events.

In France, over half of the country’s regions are under the highest level of heat warning—red alerts—which advise extreme caution due to the life-threatening nature of the conditions. In the city of Bordeaux, temperatures hit a staggering 42°C, leading to the closure of hundreds of schools. More than 845 schools nationwide were shut, with an additional 1,800 allowing students to finish earlier. Despite these measures, over a million high school students still proceeded with their oral final exams for the baccalaureate, highlighting the challenges posed by the extreme weather.

Tragedy struck in the town of Carpentras in southern France, where two young children—aged two and four—were found dead inside their family car. While the exact circumstances remain under investigation, reports suggest the children were returning from a shopping trip with their mother when they became trapped in the vehicle, with the windows closed during a period when temperatures reached 39°C. This incident has sparked renewed calls for awareness about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles during extreme heat.

In Spain, the state weather service Aemet has issued “extremely high” temperature warnings, predicting some areas could see temperatures between five and ten degrees above seasonal averages. Certain regions are projected to reach 44°C, with the Basque Country facing a red alert, where temperatures in San Sebastian are expected to climb to 40°C—more than double the historical average for this time of year.

Italy has also been severely impacted, with red alerts issued for 12 cities, including Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Rome. These cities have endured several days of temperatures exceeding 35°C, prompting local authorities to implement emergency measures to protect public health.

Germany, too, has faced alarming conditions, with temperatures reaching as high as 38°C. Over the weekend, five people died in fatal swimming-related accidents, raising concerns about the risks associated with extreme heat and water safety. Firefighters in central Greece have battled a wildfire near Akraifnio, exacerbated by hot, dry weather and strong winds, forcing the temporary closure of a major motorway.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Met Office has issued a rare red heat warning for parts of England and Wales, forecasting temperatures of up to 38°C. In response, train operators have adjusted schedules, reducing services and advising vulnerable individuals to avoid travel during the height of the heatwave. In Belgium, the IRM meteorological institute predicts record-breaking temperatures in the coming week, prompting the country’s train operator to cancel certain peak-hour services due to the heat.

This heatwave is not isolated to Europe. In the Middle East and parts of Asia, temperatures have similarly soared, with some locations recording over 50°C. For example, in Kuwait, temperatures in the city of Mitribah reached 53.9°C, verified using modern meteorological instruments. Similarly, in Iran, temperatures in Ahvaz climbed to 53.5°C, making it one of the hottest urban centers globally. These extreme conditions underscore the broader implications of global warming, as heatwaves become increasingly frequent and intense worldwide.

As the heat continues to intensify, governments and organizations across the globe are working to mitigate the effects of the crisis. Public health officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Emergency services are preparing for potential increases in heat-related illnesses and fatalities. With temperatures expected to peak in the coming days, the situation remains critical, and the need for coordinated efforts to safeguard communities has never been greater.