• Southern Europe experiences its first heatwave of the summer with temperatures reaching up to 42°C.
• Major cities like Rome and Marseille prepare for extreme heat, implementing public measures to help residents cope.
• Authorities issue high alert warnings for forest fires in Portugal and Spain due to the soaring temperatures.

As southern Europe braces for the first heatwave of the northern hemisphere summer, temperatures are set to soar across the region. In Rome, temperatures are predicted to reach 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit), compelling tourists and pilgrims alike to flock to the city's over 2,500 public fountains for respite. Meanwhile, Marseille is expected to face temperatures nearing 40°C (104°F), prompting authorities to open public swimming pools free of charge to alleviate the heat for residents, according to Channel News Asia, The Local, Al Jazeera, India Times, and Dawn.

Portugal is also taking precautions as two-thirds of the country are under high alert for extreme heat and potential forest fires, with the capital, Lisbon, forecasted to see temperatures peak at 42°C (108°F). This alarming heat has coincided with significant events, such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's wedding in Venice, where guests sweltered under the unforgiving sun, according to Channel News Asia, The Local, and Al Jazeera.

As the heatwave intensifies, Spain faces rigorous conditions, with the Spanish meteorological agency predicting temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in various regions, particularly the Guadalquivir, Guadiana, and Tagus areas. Historical records indicate that the past three years have constituted the hottest periods in Spain's history, prompting officials to enact outdoor work bans in several provinces, as echoed by The Local, India Times, and Dawn.

The escalating heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis, which scientists attribute to humanity's persistent reliance on fossil fuels. Consequently, extreme weather events, including this weekend's oppressive heat, have become increasingly frequent and severe across Europe. This highlights the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change's impacts, according to Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and India Times.