Severe heatwaves across southern Europe have pushed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in countries including Italy, Spain and Greece, as local officials issue new fire warnings.
Experts say the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves is linked to climate change and warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more common in southern Europe.
High temperatures were recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend.
Two-thirds of Portugal was under a high heat and fire warning on Sunday, with temperatures expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit) in Lisbon.
In Italy, several regions including Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria planned to ban some outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day in response to record high temperatures. Italian unions are asking the government to extend such measures to the entire country.
On Sunday, the Italian Health Ministry put 21 of the 27 cities under surveillance on the highest alert level, including major tourist destinations such as Rome, Milan and Naples.
Greece was again on high alert for possible wildfires as the extremely high temperatures continued, with the first heatwave of the summer expected to continue over the weekend.
A major fire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, prompting evacuations and the closure of roads near the ancient Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds fanned the flames, which engulfed and damaged some houses.
In Spain, locals and tourists tried to cool off this weekend as the country recorded temperatures of up to 41 degrees Celsius in the southern city of Seville, as well as elsewhere in the south and centre of the country. Southern regions of Spain recorded above-season temperatures, prompting health warnings and safety advisories.
Spain’s National Meteorological Service Aemet said that another record is expected to be broken in June, making it the hottest month of the year since records began.
