Observe that Europe is sweltering under its first big summery heatwave so far of 2025. Scorching heat is moving through Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and England right now. The heatwave poses significant health risks, prompting authorities to issue alerts and warnings in multiple regions.
In Southern Europe, temperatures are climbing over 40 degrees Celsius. Just recently, on June 28, Seville, Spain, reached a blistering 44 degrees! The extreme heat has resulted in alarming conditions throughout Italy. In response to the pollution, the health ministry issued a red alert in 21 cities this past weekend. Even with some improvements made across England, the picture still looks dire. On Friday, health officials issued a second amber heat health alert, affecting multiple areas of the country.
As the scorching weather continues, much of Spain is still on notice for extreme heat. Tourists in Seville have started using umbrellas for shade while walking through the baking hot sidewalks. Residents are using public drinking water fountains to stay cool and escape the heat. At the same time, visitors are looking for a respite from the intense heat.
In Italy, the response to the climate emergency heatwave is just as urgent. ROMA – Tourists cool off in front of public, free cooling fans placed on the Colosseum to help combat the life-threatening heat in Rome, Italy. At the same time, in Barcelona, tourists are using umbrellas to defend themselves from the unforgiving sun.
The unfolding scene in France has captured interest. Tourists in Paris are finding temporary respite by walking through fresh water vapor sprayed onto the ground during mister tests. Officials are still sounding alarms about the dangerous heat, as well as health and wildfire alerts for France, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Beyond traditional forms of cooling off, people are using ingenious ways to escape soaring temperatures all over Europe. Others are soaking themselves with saltwater or portable water misting fans to stay cool. Some find comfort in the cooling respite provided by public misting systems.
At the Glastonbury festival in Somerset, England, staff members have taken proactive measures by offering water to attendees during performances, ensuring that festival-goers stay hydrated amid the rising temperatures.