Europe Records Extreme June Heatwave, Mediterranean Hits 30C

Europe is experiencing an unprecedented early-summer heatwave, with countries like England, Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal recording their hottest June temperatures ever, including a 46.6C peak in Portugal and Spain surpassing 40C in multiple cities. The Mediterranean Sea also recorded a marine heatwave, with sea surface temperatures more than five degrees Celsius above average, threatening marine species. The intense heat has prompted governments to issue health alerts, close schools, limit outdoor work, and prepare hospitals for heat-related illnesses, while power outages and wildfires have occurred across the region. Cities such as Barcelona and Paris have seen significant disruptions, including school closures, traffic restrictions, and the temporary shutdown of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower summit. The World Meteorological Organization and the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service highlight that Europe is warming at twice the global average, with extreme heat events occurring earlier than usual in the season. These record-breaking temperatures underscore the accelerating impact of climate change across the continent.