Italy Implements Outdoor Work Restrictions Amid Record Heatwave

As Europe grapples with an unprecedented heatwave, Italy has enacted strict measures to safeguard outdoor workers. Effective immediately, outdoor work has been prohibited during peak heat hours in over half of Italy’s regions as temperatures soar to record levels. The decision comes in light of recent tragic incidents, including the death of a construction worker in Emilia-Romagna and reports of rising hospital admissions due to heat-related illnesses.

The heatwave has been particularly severe, with Spain and Portugal also reporting alarming temperature records. According to the Spanish meteorological agency Aemet, June 2025 has recorded an average temperature of 23.6°C, surpassing the previous record set in 2017 by 0.8°C. In Portugal, the town of Mora reached an astonishing 46.6°C, marking the highest June temperature ever recorded in the country, as confirmed by the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere.

This extreme weather pattern has raised significant concerns across Europe, prompting closures of schools and popular tourist attractions. In France, more than 1,896 schools had to close, with Prime Minister François Bayrou addressing the public outcry regarding the safety of children in overheated classrooms. Local authorities in Paris advised parents to keep children at home during the peak heat days.

In Italy, Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna have been at the forefront of enforcing work restrictions during the hottest parts of the day, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., joining eleven other regions in this initiative. The CGIL Bologna and Fillea CGIL unions have emphasized the urgent need for improved safety measures for outdoor workers, highlighting the escalating risks posed by climate change.

The heatwave has already claimed at least three lives, including a young boy in Catalonia and a woman in Sicily, whose pre-existing conditions were exacerbated by the extreme temperatures. Additionally, the Italian healthcare system has seen a 15-20% increase in emergency room visits, primarily among elderly patients suffering from dehydration.

In response to the ongoing crisis, trade unions have called for employers to prioritize worker safety. "The climate emergency has clearly worsened the conditions for those who work outside every day and companies must give absolute priority to the protection of workers," stated union representatives.

The situation remains critical as other European countries, including Germany and France, brace for similar temperature spikes. The German weather service has warned that temperatures could reach up to 40°C in several regions, compelling authorities to take preventive measures. As the heatwave continues to unfold, the implications for public health, labor practices, and climate adaptation strategies are becoming increasingly urgent.

Looking forward, experts predict that such extreme weather events will become more frequent, underlining the importance of robust climate action and the need for comprehensive public safety strategies. As the European continent navigates this summer crisis, the lessons learned may shape policies aimed at protecting vulnerable populations in the face of climate change.

This heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change on human health and safety, urging governments and societies to adapt to the new realities posed by global warming. The need for urgent action and policy reform has never been more pressing, as Europe continues to experience the devastating consequences of rising temperatures.