Southern Europe is baking under an unrelenting heatwave which shows no sign of easing. Record-breaking temperatures are sparking emergency health warnings, and growing fears of wildfires pushing resources to the limit.

Spain has become the epicentre of the crisis, as temperatures soared into the mid-40s Celsius across parts of Andalusia over the weekend.

In the town of El Granado, a staggering 46C was recorded on Saturday, setting a new national record for June according to Spain's national weather service. Cities like Seville also faced punishing conditions, with residents and tourists scrambling for shade and relief.

Spain's meteorological agency, AEMET, has warned that this June could become the hottest on record. Health authorities have urged people to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, keep hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity. Tragically, a woman in Barcelona died on Saturday after finishing her shift as a street cleaner, with officials believing the extreme temperatures were likely a factor.

Red heat alerts - the highest level of warning - have been issued across parts of Portugal, Italy and Croatia, while amber warnings blanket much of southern and central Europe, including France, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

In Portugal's capital Lisbon, authorities fear that strong winds, bone-dry vegetation and intense heat could trigger wildfires, mirroring similar concerns across southern Europe.

Italy is also battling dangerous conditions, with red alerts active in 21 cities by Sunday morning, including Rome, Milan and Naples. Hospitals have reported a surge in heat-related admissions, particularly among elderly people, cancer patients, and those experiencing homelessness. Some hospitals, such as the Ospedale dei Colli in Naples, have introduced dedicated "heatstroke pathways" to speed up life-saving cooling treatments.

Local governments are working to protect vulnerable residents. Rome has offered free swimming pool access to people over 70, while Bologna has opened climate shelters with drinking water and air conditioning. In several regions - Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria - authorities are considering temporary bans on outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day.

The heatwave's reach extends well beyond Spain and Italy. Serbia has recorded its highest temperature since records began in the 19th century, while Slovenia logged its hottest June day ever on Saturday.

In North Macedonia, temperatures climbed to 42C on Friday, and elsewhere across the Balkans, countries are struggling with temperatures exceeding 40C, putting enormous strain on hospitals and public health systems.

According to the BBC Weather Centre, the extreme conditions are being driven by a powerful area of high pressure lodged over Europe, forcing dry air to descend and warm rapidly. As this system shifts eastwards in the coming days, it is expected to drag high temperatures towards Germany, France, and even the UK.

With some of the hottest days still ahead this week, officials are warning the public not to underestimate the threat. Vulnerable groups - including older adults, children, and those with chronic illnesses - are being urged to take extra care.