Several countries across southern Europe have issued urgent health and wildfire alerts as an early-season heatwave sweeps through the region, driving temperatures to potentially life-threatening levels.

Forecasts indicate some areas could see highs above 40°C over the weekend.

Nations including Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and France are bearing the brunt of the extreme weather. In Seville, Spain, temperatures are expected to peak at 42°C on Sunday.

The intense heat is being driven by a surge of hot air from North Africa, which is now stretching across the Balkans and into popular tourist destinations such as Croatia.

According to BBC Weather, this level of heat is unusually severe for June, with such extremes typically occurring in mid to late summer.

In Spain, emergency services have been placed on high alert, particularly in anticipation of rising cases of heatstroke and dehydration.

Authorities are urging caution among high-risk groups such as seniors, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

“It’s always hot in Madrid, but it’s never started this early,” said Marina, 22, speaking to Reuters. Another resident, Janeth, 47, echoed the concern: “This year is different. We can’t even go outside during the day it’s that intense. Everyone’s drinking more water just to cope.”

In Italy, cities including Rome, Milan, and Venice have issued advisories urging people to remain indoors during peak heat hours, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Venice, where high-profile guests have gathered for the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and broadcaster Lauren Sanchez, the atmosphere is oppressive.

“There’s no breeze, just humidity. We’re drenched in sweat, and nights are unbearable,” said Alejandra Echeverria, a tourist from Mexico.

France has been under a prolonged heatwave for over a week, with orange heat alerts one level below the maximum declared in southern parts of the country on Friday.

In Marseille, local authorities have opened public swimming pools free of charge to help residents stay cool. Some communities are even calling for schools to close temporarily to protect children from the extreme temperatures.

The United Kingdom is not exempt from the heatwave.

Yellow and amber warnings have been issued in parts of England, with London forecast to reach 35°C by Monday. The hot spell is expected to persist until Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, wildfires have erupted in several European regions. In Greece, flames have swept through coastal areas near Athens, destroying homes and forcing evacuations.

While it remains scientifically difficult to attribute any single extreme weather event directly to climate change, experts say such patterns are becoming more frequent and more intense.

According to the World Weather Attribution group, heatwaves in June featuring three consecutive days above 28°C are now approximately ten times more likely than they were before the industrial era.