Major heat waves affected southern Europe in late June 2025, with temperatures rising above 40°C in Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal. Local authorities issued health alerts and wildfire warnings as extreme temperatures continued. In Portugal, around two-thirds of the country remained on high alert, with temperatures reaching 42°C in Lisbon. Greece faced another wildfire threat, with a large fire near the Temple of Poseidon causing evacuations and road closures. Italian cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples were placed under the highest heat alert by the Health Ministry. Several Italian regions, including Lazio, Tuscany, and Calabria, planned to suspend outdoor work during peak heat hours. In Spain, places like Seville reported temperatures above seasonal averages, and meteorological experts predicted that June could become the hottest on record.

The heat wave prompted both national and international concern due to its potential long-term effects. Experts attributed the intensification of such weather events to climate change, warning that these episodes are becoming more prevalent. A study from The Lancet Public Health indicated that heat-related deaths may quadruple by the middle of this century if no changes are made. Although more deaths currently occur from cold weather, researchers stated that higher temperatures will soon lead to a disproportionate increase in heat-related deaths. These unprecedented conditions emphasized the need for strong climate adaptation strategies to protect public health and safety.