Heat wave over Europe: temperatures beyond 40 degrees await us!

Heat wave over Europe: temperatures beyond 40 degrees await us!

Today is June 29, 2025 and Europe is dealing with a brutal heatwave caused by a meteorological phenomenon called a heat dome. The focus is particularly on the countries of southern Europe, where temperatures are reaching record highs. Loud nau.ch Values ​​of up to 47 degrees Celsius are expected in southern Spain. These extreme conditions have already led to tragic incidents; A 34-year-old Dutchman died of heat stroke in Mallorca.

There are similar concerns in Italy, where not only were temperatures of up to 48.8 degrees reported, but a motorway had to be closed as the asphalt melted due to the unbearable heat. The Italian government has also issued heat warnings for 21 cities, including popular travel destinations such as Venice. As a direct consequence, many Italian citizens have also drastically restricted their outside activities.

On the trail of the heat

This heat wave doesn't stop and is also moving towards Switzerland and Germany. Meteorologists report that temperatures of up to 33 degrees Celsius can be expected in German-speaking Switzerland from Sunday. The city of Basel could even reach up to 35 degrees Celsius. Health warnings have also been issued in other European countries, such as France, Greece and Croatia, which are also suffering from the extreme conditions. Temperatures of up to 39 degrees are forecast in France, while Albania and Serbia face similar difficulties.

The forest fires in Greece are particularly alarming, where the fire brigade is currently trying to save around 4,000 hectares of land. The fire danger in this region is immense, and the island of Chios has been particularly badly hit. Croatia is also warning of extreme heat and forest fire risks, urging people to be careful. Apparently eight forest fires have already been registered there within 24 hours. Greek authorities have increased the number of firefighters to record levels to avert damage.

Health risks and recommendations

The health risks from this heat wave are extremely high in many regions. In Spain, 75% of communities will be affected by low to high health risk. The local authorities advise older people and risk groups in particular to go to cool and shady places and to drink enough fluids. Overall, this heatwave means June 2025 will go down as the warmest month in history, which could mean we need to prepare for more regular and earlier heatwaves in the future, warns tagesschau.de.

Although Thursday's rain and thunderstorms could bring short-term relief, the overall situation remains tense. Given these extreme conditions, Europe needs a good hand now more than ever to overcome these challenges and be prepared. Even though the heat wave poses major problems for people, it also highlights the increasingly urgent consequences of climate change that cannot be ignored 20min.ch recorded in a report.