A severe heatwave affecting Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal sees temperatures surpassing 40°C, prompting warnings and emergency protocols.
Southern Europe Gripped by Early Heatwave
Southern Europe Gripped by Early Heatwave
Temperatures soar as Southern Europe braces for extreme heat, prompting safety measures and health warnings.
The article text:
Southern Europe is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with countries like Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal issuing health and fire warnings as temperatures are predicted to soar above 40°C over the weekend. The Spanish city of Seville is notably forecasted to reach a staggering 42°C, with the intense heat attributed to hot air originating from North Africa. BBC Weather characterizes this heatwave as “very intense” for this time of the year, as such high temperatures typically manifest in July and early August.
In Spain, emergency services have been put on alert to manage expected increases in heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Italian officials are advising residents in major cities, including Rome, Milan, and Venice—where a high-profile wedding is taking place this weekend—to remain indoors between 11:00 and 18:00 local time.
France has been grappling with a heatwave for over a week, and orange heat alerts—the second-highest warning level—were activated for southern regions on Friday. In an effort to help residents cope with the extreme conditions, municipal swimming pools in Marseille are being offered for free until the heatwave subsides.
Furthermore, weather alerts are in effect for parts of England, where temperatures are expected to reach 32°C this weekend. The current heatwave is projected to persist until Tuesday evening. The situation is exacerbated by wildfires that have already impacted some areas, notably in Greece, where coastal towns near Athens experienced devastating fires that forced evacuations.
Although attributing individual extreme weather events to climate change remains complex, the frequency and severity of heatwaves are clearly on the rise, with scientists from World Weather Attribution noting that June heatwaves with three consecutive days exceeding 28°C are now about ten times more likely than in pre-industrial times.
Southern Europe is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with countries like Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal issuing health and fire warnings as temperatures are predicted to soar above 40°C over the weekend. The Spanish city of Seville is notably forecasted to reach a staggering 42°C, with the intense heat attributed to hot air originating from North Africa. BBC Weather characterizes this heatwave as “very intense” for this time of the year, as such high temperatures typically manifest in July and early August.
In Spain, emergency services have been put on alert to manage expected increases in heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Italian officials are advising residents in major cities, including Rome, Milan, and Venice—where a high-profile wedding is taking place this weekend—to remain indoors between 11:00 and 18:00 local time.
France has been grappling with a heatwave for over a week, and orange heat alerts—the second-highest warning level—were activated for southern regions on Friday. In an effort to help residents cope with the extreme conditions, municipal swimming pools in Marseille are being offered for free until the heatwave subsides.
Furthermore, weather alerts are in effect for parts of England, where temperatures are expected to reach 32°C this weekend. The current heatwave is projected to persist until Tuesday evening. The situation is exacerbated by wildfires that have already impacted some areas, notably in Greece, where coastal towns near Athens experienced devastating fires that forced evacuations.
Although attributing individual extreme weather events to climate change remains complex, the frequency and severity of heatwaves are clearly on the rise, with scientists from World Weather Attribution noting that June heatwaves with three consecutive days exceeding 28°C are now about ten times more likely than in pre-industrial times.
