A wildfire on Greece’s Chios Island, reportedly caused by a discarded cigarette, burned 10,000 acres over three days. A Georgian woman was arrested for suspected accidental arson. Fires have since spread to other Greek islands and parts of Europe, including Germany and Spain, driven by extreme heat and strong winds. Thousands have been evacuated, and homes damaged, with at least two deaths in Spain’s Catalonia region. Experts say climate change is intensifying the frequency and impact of such wildfires across southern Europe.

Europe is enduring an unprecedented heatwave, with Spain and England recording their warmest June ever. Spain’s average temperature in June surpassed typical summer highs, while England set a new June record at 16.9°C. Portugal hit a scorching 46.6°C in June, signaling extreme summer heat. Meanwhile, Italy declared red alerts across 17 cities due to heat-related deaths and work restrictions. Turkey battles severe wildfires, evacuating 50,000 people in Izmir alone, as emergency teams fight hundreds of blazes.

May 2025 was the world’s second warmest May on record, with Europe experiencing an exceptionally dry spring, especially in the northwest. Data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service shows global temperatures were 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Experts warn of worsening drought if rainfall doesn't arrive soon, threatening agriculture and water supply. Similar dry conditions were observed in parts of the U.S., Africa, Central Asia, and Australia. The trend reflects ongoing global climate change and increasing climate extremes.