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WHO Warns Europe Faces More Deadly Heatwaves as New Extreme Temperatures Build

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe could face “more deadly weeks” as another powerful heatwave develops over the Atlantic. Temperatures in parts of Portugal and southern Spain are expected to reach as high as 43°C in the coming days. WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge urged governments to strengthen preparedness, noting that countries with established heat-health action plans responded more effectively during the recent extreme weather.

The previous heatwave, which swept across Europe between June 20 and June 28, is considered by experts to be the most severe ever recorded in the region. The intense heat disrupted power generation, damaged infrastructure, strained healthcare systems, and contributed to around 3,700 preliminary excess deaths in France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Scientists have linked the record-breaking temperatures largely to climate change.

The WHO emphasized that vulnerable groups, including elderly people living alone, care home residents, and homeless individuals, continue to face the greatest risks during prolonged heat events. With fewer than half of the WHO’s European member states having comprehensive heat-health action plans, the organization is urging governments to improve emergency preparedness and build more resilient healthcare systems ahead of future heatwaves.

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Heatwave Grips Italy and Balkans as Wildfire Risk Intensifies Across Europe

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A record-breaking heatwave continued to grip Italy and several Balkan countries on Monday, triggering red weather alerts, raising the threat of wildfires, and disrupting daily life across Europe. Italy placed 22 cities under the highest heat warning, while Croatia issued red alerts for Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik as firefighters battled a major blaze on the Adriatic island of Vis. Serbia and Albania also faced soaring temperatures and wildfire concerns as the extreme weather persisted.

Scientists say the heatwave, which began on June 20, has become one of the most severe ever recorded in Europe. France has reported around 1,000 excess deaths linked to the prolonged heat, mostly among older people, while experts warn temperatures are expected to climb again in early July across France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and parts of Britain. Researchers also said the unprecedented heat would have been virtually impossible without the influence of human-caused climate change.

The extreme conditions have strained healthcare systems, disrupted power generation and damaged infrastructure across the continent. Tragic incidents linked to the heat were also reported over the weekend, including the deaths of two children found inside a hot car in Cyprus and two cyclists who collapsed during a marathon event in Poland, where temperatures reached a record 40.5°C. Authorities across Europe continue to urge people to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat as wildfire risks remain high.

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Deadly Omega Heatwave Scorches Europe

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A powerful “Omega” heatwave continues to grip Western Europe, breaking temperature records and causing widespread disruption across several countries. Britain recorded its hottest June temperature ever at 36.1°C, while Paris reached a record 40.9°C. Italy placed 16 cities on its highest heat alert as forecasters warned that extreme conditions could persist through the weekend.

The severe heat has claimed dozens of lives, with France reporting at least 50 deaths linked to the heatwave, including drowning incidents and heat-related fatalities. Spain also recorded deaths from heatstroke, while soaring temperatures affected power supplies, reduced nuclear plant output, disrupted transport networks, and forced schools, tourist attractions, and public events to close or scale back operations.

Meteorologists say the heatwave is being driven by an “Omega block” weather pattern that traps hot air over regions for extended periods. Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. With Europe warming faster than the global average, authorities across the continent are urging residents to take precautions as temperatures remain dangerously high.

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Wildfire Disrupts Spain Rail Network Ahead of Heatwave

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A wildfire in northeastern Spain disrupted high-speed rail services between Madrid and Barcelona on Thursday after flames broke out near a railway section in Catalonia. Authorities temporarily suspended train operations in the affected area to allow firefighters to tackle the blaze safely.

The disruption comes as Spain prepares for its first major heatwave of the summer. Weather officials have warned that temperatures will rise significantly over the weekend, with several inland regions expected to experience highs above 40°C and some areas potentially reaching 42°C early next week.

Forecasters also cautioned that wildfire risks will increase due to dry conditions and limited rainfall. The warning follows last year’s record-breaking heatwave across Spain and Portugal, which contributed to severe forest fires and highlighted growing concerns over the impact of climate change on extreme weather events.

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Portugal Records Hottest May Day as Europe Battles Intense Heatwave

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Portugal has recorded its hottest May temperature ever after the town of Mora hit 40.3°C, breaking a national record set more than two decades ago. The extreme heat is part of a wider heatwave affecting several Western European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

Authorities across Europe are scrambling to respond as temperatures continue to soar. France held emergency meetings on heatwave preparedness, while schools reported dangerous indoor temperatures above 50°C. In Italy, cities including Rome were placed under red heat alerts, warning of serious health risks even for healthy people.

The intense weather has also disrupted major events, with tennis star Jannik Sinner struggling with dizziness during the French Open amid the heat. Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and severe, with the UN warning that global temperatures are likely to remain near record highs in the coming years.

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Early Heatwave Triggers Widespread Power Outages and Grid Strain in Turin

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The northwestern Italian city of Turin is experiencing severe power blackouts as an early European heatwave pushes the local electricity network to its limits. The repeated outages have struck multiple districts over recent days, knocking out traffic lights and causing significant road congestion. Local utility company Iren, which serves approximately 650,000 electricity customers in the city, attributed the disruptions to unprecedented thermal stress on underground cables caused by prolonged daylight hours and high temperatures. While a spokesperson for Iren acknowledged the ongoing sporadic outages, they clarified that the city has not been brought to a complete standstill.

The crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities of Turin’s aging infrastructure under the weight of rising global temperatures and surging energy consumption. Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo highlighted that the city’s electricity network requires urgent investment and maintenance, noting that while network upgrades are planned, widespread intervention will take time. Iren has already launched a €515 million ($598 million) modernization plan extending through 2030 to upgrade Turin’s primary grid. However, officials admit that the accelerating frequency and unpredictable timing of these intense heatwaves are severely complicating their implementation timeline.

As Italy grapples with its first major heatwave of the year, the Italian Air Force’s weather service forecast temperatures reaching a high of 32 degrees Celsius (89.6°F) in Turin. In response to the weather extremity, the local municipality has issued public warnings regarding the health risks associated with the high temperatures. To protect vulnerable residents, city officials have opened dedicated public cooling spaces equipped with fans and air conditioning.

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Italy’s “Lovers’ Arch” Collapses Into Sea on Valentine’s Day

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A famous natural rock formation known as “Lovers’ Arch” collapsed into the sea on Valentine’s Day after days of heavy rain and strong winds in southern Italy. The arch, located at Sant’Andrea in Melendugno, Puglia, was a popular landmark on the Adriatic coast and a favored spot for wedding proposals and photos.

Melendugno’s mayor, Maurizio Cisternino, described the collapse as “an unwanted Valentine’s Day gift,” calling it a heavy blow for local tourism. Authorities believe the severe weather brought by Storm Oriana accelerated long-term erosion, leading to the sudden failure of the rock formation, which passers-by noticed missing on Sunday morning.

Regional president Antonio Decaro said the loss marked the disappearance of a symbolic feature of the coast and highlighted the urgent need to slow coastal erosion. The arch stood in the Salento, one of Italy’s most visited tourist areas, underscoring concerns about how extreme weather is increasingly reshaping vulnerable coastal landscapes.

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Two Britons Killed in French Alps Avalanche Near Val d’Isère

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Two British men and one French national have died after an avalanche swept through the Manchet valley near Val d’Isère in the French Alps. The Britons were part of a group of five skiing off-piste with an instructor when the avalanche struck on Friday morning, while the French victim was skiing alone, according to local prosecutors. Another British skier sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The UK Foreign Office said it was aware of the deaths and was in contact with French authorities to provide consular assistance. Albertville prosecutor Benoit Bachelet confirmed that a manslaughter investigation has been opened and will be handled by specialist mountain rescue police. The ski instructor involved was unharmed and tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

The avalanche followed heavy snowfall linked to Storm Nils, which dumped up to a metre of snow across parts of the Alps, leaving the snowpack highly unstable. Météo-France had issued a red alert for avalanche risk in the Savoie region a day earlier, warning of dangerous conditions. Authorities say several fatal avalanches have occurred this winter, underscoring the ongoing risks of off-piste skiing despite lifted alerts.

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Eighth Storm Claims Life in Spain as Extreme Weather Batters Iberian Peninsula

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A 46-year-old woman has died in Barcelona after being struck by debris from a warehouse roof torn off by powerful winds, as the eighth major storm of the year swept across Spain and Portugal, according to officials. The woman succumbed to her injuries in hospital early Friday. Repeated bouts of heavy rain, strong gales, snow, and thunderstorms have caused widespread damage, forcing mass evacuations and disrupting daily life across the Iberian Peninsula.

Spain’s Agriculture Minister Luis Planas described the succession of storms as “truly extraordinary,” warning that authorities must assess whether such events could become more frequent. Around 14,000 hectares of farmland—including berries, citrus fruits, and olives—have already been damaged. Data from AEMET shows Spain has received 38% more rainfall than average since October, heightening concerns over infrastructure resilience and agricultural losses.

In Portugal, authorities in the historic city of Coimbra warned of possible severe flooding along the Mondego River, with up to 9,000 residents at risk of evacuation as reservoirs neared capacity. Schools and universities were closed, and similar measures were taken in parts of southern Spain, including Andalusia, where thousands have already been displaced. Forecasts also warned of intense rainfall in areas such as Grazalema, underscoring the continued threat of flooding and landslides.

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Spain, Portugal on High Alert as Storms Lash Iberian Peninsula

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Spain and Portugal remained on high alert as heavy rain and powerful winds swept across the Iberian Peninsula, causing widespread disruption. Trees were uprooted, transport services were interrupted and schools were closed in several regions. In northeastern Spain’s Catalonia region, one person was left in serious condition after being struck by a falling tree, with at least four others reported injured.

Spain issued its highest red weather alert in Galicia, Cantabria and the Basque Country following the arrival of Storm Nils — the eighth storm to hit the country this year. Authorities in Catalonia suspended classes, sporting events and some non-essential healthcare services as wind gusts exceeded 105 km/h, disrupting road and rail networks. Around 40 flights at Barcelona’s El Prat airport were cancelled, while warnings were issued about waves reaching up to nine metres along parts of the coast.

In Portugal, an “atmospheric river” brought intense rainfall, particularly in northern areas, prompting the evacuation of about 3,000 residents. A section of the A1 motorway near Coimbra collapsed after flooding weakened its foundations, and officials said repairs could take weeks. While Storm Oriana is not expected to directly strike mainland Portugal, authorities warned of continued heavy rain and strong winds in the coming days.

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