Europe Heatwave Sends July 2026 Temperatures to New Records
Southern Europe is baking under a heat dome, with wildfires forcing evacuations across Greece, Spain and Italy.
<p>A powerful heat dome parked over southern Europe has pushed temperatures past 45C in parts of Spain, Portugal and Greece this week. Weather services in three countries have issued their highest-tier warnings.</p>
<h2>Wildfires and evacuations</h2>
<p>Greek authorities have evacuated coastal villages near Athens as fires spread through dry pine forest. In Spain, the AEMET agency logged the hottest July night on record in Seville. Italy is warning tourists to avoid outdoor sightseeing between 11am and 5pm.</p>
<h2>Health impacts</h2>
<p>Hospitals in France and Italy are reporting a surge in heat stroke admissions. The World Health Organization estimates European heatwaves now kill more than 60,000 people in an average summer, and this year is on track to exceed that.</p>
<h2>Why it keeps happening</h2>
<p>Climate scientists point to a stalled jet stream and record Mediterranean sea temperatures as the main drivers. Attribution studies published in the last month say events like this are now roughly 100 times more likely than in a pre-industrial climate.</p>
<h2>How to stay safe</h2>
<p>Local health agencies recommend drinking water regularly, checking on elderly neighbors and keeping shutters closed during peak sun hours.</p>
