The region braces for extreme weather impacts, with increased health risks and wildfires reported.
Southern Europe Faces Early Heatwave with High Temperatures Forecasted
Southern Europe Faces Early Heatwave with High Temperatures Forecasted
Health and safety warnings issued as mercury soars past 40C in several countries.
As summer begins, an alarming heatwave has enveloped southern Europe with temperatures set to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in several areas over the weekend. Countries such as Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal are feeling the brunt of this early summer scorcher, particularly with Spain’s Seville projected to reach a staggering 42C on Sunday.
The oppressive warmth is largely attributed to a surge of hot air emanating from North Africa, which is advancing through the Balkans and affecting popular tourist locales like Croatia. According to meteorologists from BBC Weather, this intense heatwave is historically unusual for June, a month generally spared from such extremes until July.
Within Spain, precautionary measures are being undertaken as authorities mobilize emergency services to handle an influx of heat-related medical cases, particularly among the most vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. “It's always hot in Madrid, but I’m shocked by how early this has arrived,” remarked Marina, a 22-year-old Madrid resident, while another local, Janeth, noted the heightened intensity compared to previous years, expressing increased vigilance in hydration.
In Italy, officials are recommending that locals, especially in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice—a hotspot for celebrity gatherings—remain indoors during peak heat hours. “There’s no breeze, high humidity, and it's unbearable at night,” lamented Alejandra Echeverria, a tourist in Venice seeking solace from the steamy conditions.
Meanwhile, France has been grappling with high temperatures for over a week now, prompting the issuance of orange heat alerts for several southern areas. In response, Marseille has opened public swimming pools free of charge to help residents cope with the stifling conditions, while calls to close schools have surfaced to safeguard students’ wellbeing. Other regions in England are also bracing for elevated temperatures, with London expecting highs of 35C on Monday, alongside yellow and amber weather alerts in effect.
The heatwave is projected to persist through Tuesday evening, exacerbating concerns about wildfires, particularly in Greece, where flames have ravaged coastal towns, forcing residents to evacuate. Although individual weather events are challenging to attribute directly to climate change, researchers note that the frequency and severity of heatwaves are escalating, providing alarming insight into changing climatic conditions. Heatwaves with three consecutive days above 28C are now roughly ten times more likely than they were during pre-industrial times, according to experts from World Weather Attribution.
The oppressive warmth is largely attributed to a surge of hot air emanating from North Africa, which is advancing through the Balkans and affecting popular tourist locales like Croatia. According to meteorologists from BBC Weather, this intense heatwave is historically unusual for June, a month generally spared from such extremes until July.
Within Spain, precautionary measures are being undertaken as authorities mobilize emergency services to handle an influx of heat-related medical cases, particularly among the most vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. “It's always hot in Madrid, but I’m shocked by how early this has arrived,” remarked Marina, a 22-year-old Madrid resident, while another local, Janeth, noted the heightened intensity compared to previous years, expressing increased vigilance in hydration.
In Italy, officials are recommending that locals, especially in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice—a hotspot for celebrity gatherings—remain indoors during peak heat hours. “There’s no breeze, high humidity, and it's unbearable at night,” lamented Alejandra Echeverria, a tourist in Venice seeking solace from the steamy conditions.
Meanwhile, France has been grappling with high temperatures for over a week now, prompting the issuance of orange heat alerts for several southern areas. In response, Marseille has opened public swimming pools free of charge to help residents cope with the stifling conditions, while calls to close schools have surfaced to safeguard students’ wellbeing. Other regions in England are also bracing for elevated temperatures, with London expecting highs of 35C on Monday, alongside yellow and amber weather alerts in effect.
The heatwave is projected to persist through Tuesday evening, exacerbating concerns about wildfires, particularly in Greece, where flames have ravaged coastal towns, forcing residents to evacuate. Although individual weather events are challenging to attribute directly to climate change, researchers note that the frequency and severity of heatwaves are escalating, providing alarming insight into changing climatic conditions. Heatwaves with three consecutive days above 28C are now roughly ten times more likely than they were during pre-industrial times, according to experts from World Weather Attribution.
