Southern Europe is in the grip of an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 46 degrees Celsius, setting new records across multiple countries.

On Saturday, the town of El Granado in Spain recorded a searing 46 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in the country during June. The record was officially confirmed by AEMET, Spain’s State Meteorological Agency.

This surpasses the previous national June high of 45.2 degrees Celsius, set in Seville in 1965.

The extreme heat extends beyond Spain. Neighbouring countries – including Portugal, Italy, Greece, southern France, and Balkan nations such as Slovenia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia – are all enduring similar conditions.

In Portugal, temperatures hit 43 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while forecasts predict Lisbon could reach 42 degrees Celsius on Sunday, according to local meteorological reports.

Italy’s southern cities have also felt the intense heat, with Naples and Palermo registering 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend and Florence hitting 39 degrees Celsius earlier in the week, highlighting a persistent pattern of high temperatures across the country.

Greece has faced not only scorching conditions but also heightened wildfire risks. Athens recorded 40 degrees Celsius, with forecasts warning some areas may reach 42 degrees Celsius. A wildfire was recently reported south of the capital as the heatwave continues to intensify.

outhern France is also experiencing the brunt of the heat. Marseille recorded a sweltering 41.3 degrees Celsius, the country’s highest temperature during this event. In response, local authorities have opened swimming pools to the public free of charge to help residents cope.

In the Balkans, Slovenia set a new all-time June temperature record of 38.4 degrees Celsius on Friday. Other countries in the region, including Bosnia, Slovakia, and Croatia, are similarly grappling with severe heat stress.