A severe heatwave is gripping large parts of Europe, with temperatures soaring to record-breaking highs and authorities issuing health warnings amid the scorching conditions. Southern Spain is the worst-affected region, with temperatures in the mid-40s Celsius recorded in Seville and neighboring areas. The town of El Granado set a new heat record for June of 46C on Saturday, according to Spain's national weather service, which also warned that this month is on track to be the hottest June on record. The heatwave has prompted red heat warnings in parts of Portugal, Italy, and Croatia, while numerous amber warnings cover areas of Spain, France, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

The extreme heat has already claimed a life in Barcelona, where a woman died after completing a shift as a road sweeper on Saturday. Local authorities are investigating her death, which highlights the dangers of the heatwave, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. In Italy, emergency departments have reported an uptick in heatstroke cases, mainly affecting elderly people, cancer patients, and homeless individuals. Hospitals have set up dedicated heatstroke pathways to speed up access to vital treatments such as cold water immersion, while cities like Bologna and Rome have taken measures to provide relief to residents, including setting up climate shelters and offering free access to city swimming pools.

The heatwave's impact is being felt across the western Balkans, where temperatures have reached in excess of 40C. Serbia registered its highest-ever temperature since it began recording them in the 19th century, while Slovenia recorded its hottest-ever June temperature on Saturday. North Macedonia is also sweltering, with temperatures reaching 42C on Friday. The severe heat has prompted warnings from health officials and pharmacists, who are urging people to take precautions and stay cool during the hottest hours of the day. Despite these warnings, there have already been reports of heat strokes and burns, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and caution.

As the heatwave continues to grip Europe, forecasters are warning that some areas will continue to get hotter until the middle of the week, with temperatures rising across France, Germany, Italy, and the UK over the next few days. Yellow and amber alerts are in place for parts of England this weekend, and temperatures in London may reach 35C on Monday. The heat has been building under a big area of high pressure, with dry air descending and warming. While it is hard to link individual extreme weather events to climate change, heatwaves are becoming more common and more intense due to climate change. Scientists at World Weather Attribution say June heatwaves with three consecutive days above 28C are about 10 times more likely to occur now compared to pre-industrial times.

The international community is closely watching the situation, with many countries sharing experiences and best practices in responding to the heatwave. The European Union has activated its civil protection mechanism to coordinate responses to the heatwave, while the World Health Organization has issued guidance on heatwave prevention and management. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the current heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective action to mitigate its impacts and protect vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, the heatwave gripping Europe is a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme weather events and the need for continued vigilance and caution. As the world continues to warm due to climate change, it is essential that governments, health officials, and individuals take proactive steps to prepare for and respond to heatwaves. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, we can work together to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves and protect the most vulnerable members of our societies.