A severe heatwave continues across Europe, with temperatures in Spain soaring to 46 degrees Celsius. According to international media, many European countries are under the influence of extreme heat, prompting authorities to issue warnings for the public.
In the town of El Granado, Spain, the temperature hit 46°C on Saturday, setting a new record for the month of June. Reports indicate that countries including Portugal, Italy, Croatia, France, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland are also expecting hot weather conditions.
Southern Europe is particularly affected, leading to increased use of cool baths and “climate shelters.” In some hospitals, special arrangements have been made to immerse heatstroke patients in cold water. Authorities are advising people to stay in safe, cool places to avoid the worst effects of the heat.
Environmental experts warn that the heat is expected to intensify in the coming days. During the first major heatwave of the summer, temperatures are continuously rising, especially in southern Spain and Portugal, where they are expected to reach 46°C. Almost all of France is suffering from scorching temperatures, which could last for several days. In Italy, cities such as Milan, Naples, Venice, Florence, and Rome are under heat alerts.
Emergency services are on high alert near tourist sites, and wildfire warnings have been issued in several areas. According to Mario Guarino, Vice President of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine, there has been a noticeable rise in heatstroke patients arriving at hospital emergency departments. He stated that the number of patients has increased by about 10 percent, especially in cities where high temperatures are accompanied by high humidity.
Most of the affected individuals are elderly people, cancer patients, or the homeless, suffering from dehydration, fatigue, or heatstroke. In some hospitals, patients are being given cold water immersion therapy as immediate treatment.
In Venice, individuals over the age of 75 are being granted free access to air-conditioned museums and public buildings. In Bologna, seven climate shelters have been set up, offering cool environments and drinking water. In Rome, people over 70 can now enter public swimming pools for free.
From Spain to Portugal, Italy, and France, governments across southern Europe have advised the public to seek shelter from the heat and to take special care of elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Experts warn that such extreme heatwaves may become a regular occurrence due to climate change.
