Major heat waves across southern Europe have pushed temperatures above 40 C (104 F) in countries including Italy, Spain and Greece, as local authorities issued fresh warnings against the chance of wildfires.
Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of those heat waves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events have gotten increasingly common across Europe’s southern region.
Severe heat was recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend, with locals and tourists alike taking shelter from the sweltering conditions.
Two-thirds of Portugal were on high alert Sunday for extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures expected to top 42 C (107 F) in Lisbon.
In Italy, a couple of regions — Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria — were planning to ban some outdoor work activities in the course of the hottest hours of the day in response to the record-high temperatures. Italian trade unions pushed the federal government to expand such measures at a national level.
On Sunday, the Italian Health Ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples.
In Rome, tourists tried to hunt shade near popular spots just like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public water fountains to remain cool.
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Similar scenes were reported in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to tourists and residents to supply some refreshment from the warmth.
Greece was again on high wildfire alert because of utmost weather, with the primary summer heat wave expected to proceed throughout the weekend.
A big wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the traditional Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds spread the flames, damaging homes and sending smoke across the sky.
Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes and 12 helicopters to battle the blaze, while police evacuated 40 people, with five areas under evacuation orders.
In Spain, locals and tourists were desperately attempting to keep cool this weekend, because the country sizzled in temperatures as high as 42 C (107 F) within the southern city of Seville together with other locations in southern and central parts of the country.
Southern regions of Spain recorded temperatures above seasonal averages, prompting health alerts and safety recommendations from authorities. The country’s national meteorological service Aemet has said that June is ready to interrupt yet one more record, becoming the most well liked such month since records began.
Experts warned that intense heat can affect each day life, especially for vulnerable populations resembling the elderly and kids.
Local authorities advised against physical activity in the course of the hottest hours of the day, and beneficial drinking loads of fluids.
A Lancet Public Health study published last 12 months highlighted the increasing risk of heat-related deaths due to climate change. The study predicted that heat-related deaths could greater than quadruple by midcentury under current climate policies.
While more people die from cold than heat, the study stressed that rising temperatures will offset the advantages of milder winters, resulting in a big net increase in heat-related mortality.
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