Unseasonably high temperatures leave southeastern Europe in a state of immobility, causing fatalities in both Italy and Turkey
**Extreme Heatwave and Drought Cause Concerns Across Southern Europe**
Southern and Southeastern Europe are currently grappling with an intense heatwave and worsening drought conditions. The region, including Italy, Turkey, and Greece, is experiencing its most severe heatwave of 2025, with temperatures soaring to record highs and the Mediterranean Sea reaching unprecedented levels.
In **Italy**, temperatures have reached up to 37°C in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples. The Italian health ministry has issued red alerts in 21 out of 27 monitored cities, and some regions are contemplating bans on outdoor work during peak heat hours. The heat has already claimed at least five lives, with temperatures exceeding 30°C early in the day in places like Sicily. Agricultural systems are under significant threat due to this prolonged heatwave[1][4].
**Turkey** is also experiencing extreme heat, with Istanbul recording 36°C and temperatures expected to rise further. The heatwave has led to precautions similar to those in Greece, with advisories to limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children[1][4].
**Greece** is undergoing critical heatwave conditions, with temperatures surpassing 40°C in many areas, including wildfire-prone agricultural zones. The island of Lesbos reported 38°C temperatures by mid-morning. Authorities have ordered closures of outdoor sites like the Acropolis during midday and mandated stopping outdoor work above 40°C to protect public health. The country is also on alert for renewed wildfire risks exacerbated by the heat and drought[1][4].
The heatwave and drought have also led to increased wildfire risks throughout the region. In **Turkey**, forest fires are more likely due to the dry conditions, with firefighters battling blazes, particularly in the west, and several villages evacuated[1].
To combat the heat, authorities in these countries are urging people to stay indoors during the day, especially the elderly and children. Air-conditioned public spaces remain open for everyone in Greece during the heatwave, and animal welfare groups in Turkey are reminding people to provide water for street animals[1][4].
The extreme dryness and heat are fueling the worsening drought conditions that began with dry winters and springs followed by insufficient rainfall this summer. This has caused difficulties for people in the affected areas, with work bans during the hottest midday hours in effect in many areas of Greece[1][4].
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, July 15). Southern Europe heatwave: Forest fires force evacuations in Turkey. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57891475 [2] The Guardian. (2025, July 15). Europe heatwave: record-breaking temperatures and wildfires. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/15/europe-heatwave-record-breaking-temperatures-and-wildfires [3] The New York Times. (2025, July 15). Europe's Heat Wave Pushes Temperatures to Record Levels. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/15/world/europe/europe-heat-wave-temperatures-record.html [4] Reuters. (2025, July 15). Heatwave grips southern Europe, Italy issues red alerts, forest fires break out. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/heatwave-grips-southern-europe-italy-issues-red-alerts-forest-fires-break-out-2025-07-15/
- In the face of the ongoing heatwave, the Italian government is exploring various science-based therapies and treatments to combat heat-related mental-health issues.
- The World Health Organization's health-and-wellness division has emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health during this climate-change-induced extreme heatwave, especially for individuals living in Southern Europe.
- As sustainability and environmental-science advocates, we call for increased investments in research and development for eco-friendly therapies and treatments, aiming to ensure the overall health and wellness of future generations amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
