A hellish heat wave has hit parts of Europe

Experts attribute the increased frequency and intensity of these heat waves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming more common in southern regions of Europe, AP reported.

On Sunday, two-thirds of Portugal was on high alert due to extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures of more than 42°C expected in the capital Lisbon.

In Italy, several regions - 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 labor unions have called on the government to extend such measures to the entire country.

On Sunday, Italy's Health Ministry declared 21 cities as heatwave danger zones, including popular destinations such as Rome, Milan and Naples.

Greece was on high alert for wildfires due to extreme weather conditions.

In Spain, locals and tourists tried to escape the heat this weekend, with temperatures reaching 42°C in the southern city of Seville and other cities in the southern and central parts of the country.

Temperatures above seasonal averages were recorded in southern regions of Spain, prompting authorities to issue a health alert and safety advisories.

The country's national meteorological service Aemet said that June will break another record, becoming the hottest month since the beginning of observations.

Photo: liga.net.