Overview

• Southern Europe is enduring record-breaking heat with Sicily reaching 48 °C and Athens topping 45 °C. Greece’s labour ministry has banned outdoor work from 12:00 to 17:00 and ordered midday closures of the Acropolis to protect residents and tourists.
• At least five heat-related fatalities have been confirmed in southern Italy within 24 hours, including a 19-year-old visitor.
• The high-pressure system from North Africa has intensified drought, leading to water shortages, rationing and elevated wildfire risk.
• Germany and neighbouring Central European countries remain under a west-zonal flow with cool temperatures, frequent showers and thunderstorms.