Mediterranean heatwave drives record sea temperatures, wildfires and travel alerts

A prolonged heatwave is sweeping the Mediterranean region. On Spain’s Balearic island of Mallorca sea temperatures in the Bay of Pollença reached 30.1 °C, while air temperatures on the island hit 42 °C, prompting orange‑level heat warnings from the Aemet weather service. Saharan dust in the atmosphere is further degrading air quality.

In Italy, the health ministry has placed seven cities – including Rome, Florence, Turin, Bologna, Perugia, Brescia and Frosinone – under red‑level alerts as temperatures are expected to climb to 45 °C on Sardinia and exceed 40 °C across the peninsula. The extreme heat is fuelling wildfires, water shortages and strain on emergency services. Delivery‑worker unions have announced strikes in several Italian cities, demanding paid breaks during the hottest hours.

Tourists across southern Europe are being urged to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, to stay hydrated and to follow local evacuation orders where wildfires threaten. Consumer‑rights experts note that free cancellation of travel bookings is generally allowed only when extraordinary circumstances, such as fire‑driven evacuations, occur—not merely because of high temperatures.