Heatwave grips southern Europe as global warming intensifies

Southern Europe is enduring a severe heatwave this week, with temperatures in parts of Spain forecast to reach 45°C, marking the third intense heatwave in the country this year.

According to Erik Kjellström, professor of climatology at Sweden’s Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), the increasing frequency and intensity of such events are directly linked to global warming.

“Heatwaves of this magnitude were not previously normal,” Kjellström said. “The global rise in temperatures has made them both hotter and more frequent.”

A study by the Dutch meteorological authority found that similar high-pressure systems in the 19th century—when global temperatures were 1.4°C lower—would have produced significantly lower temperatures. The trend is expected to worsen as global temperatures rise further.

“With continued high emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, these heatwaves will only become more extreme in the coming decades,” Kjellström warned.

He emphasized the need for societal adaptation, including measures such as providing shade through awnings and parasols, and constructing buildings that retain coolness during hot days. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and the sick, face heightened risks during extreme heat, as the body struggles to regulate temperature through sweating and fluid intake.