Southern Europe Braces For Extreme Heat Wave

A woman sunbathes in a park in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Weather alerts, forest fires, melting pavement in cities: A sizzling heat wave has sent temperatures in parts of central and southe

The scorching heatwave from Africa has engulfed southern Europe and the Balkans, with temperatures soaring over 40 degrees Celsius (104F) in several regions. The Italian health ministry has issued a red alert heat warning for 12 cities, urging residents to take precautions as the worst of the heatwave is yet to come.

In response to the extreme temperatures, municipal authorities in various cities have implemented measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. Civil protection crews are actively combating wildfires that have broken out in southern Italy and North Macedonia, with water-dropping aircraft deployed to contain the blazes.

In Greece, municipalities have opened air-conditioned spaces for public use and restricted certain outdoor activities, including manual labor and construction, during the hottest parts of the day. Temperatures are expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius in multiple countries, with Spain's national weather service forecasting highs of 44 degrees Celsius in specific regions.

As the heatwave intensifies, concerns about the well-being of both humans and animals have arisen. Rome's zoo plans to provide popsicles to its animals to help them cope with the soaring temperatures, while concert-goers attending events in the city are feeling the heat without relief.

Civil protection crews combat wildfires in southern Italy and North Macedonia.

Italian health ministry issues red alert heat warning for 12 cities.

Greece opens air-conditioned spaces and restricts outdoor activities.

Spain forecasts temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius in specific regions.

Rome's zoo provides popsicles to animals to cope with heat.

Albania and North Macedonia are also grappling with the heatwave, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius in some areas. Tragically, a 72-year-old man in Albania was found dead on his farm, with heat suspected as the cause of death. The extreme weather conditions have led to wildfires spreading across the region, prompting government interventions and emergency declarations.

Even in Istanbul, where temperatures are relatively cooler at 34 degrees Celsius, residents are advised to take precautions against the heat. The city's municipality has issued warnings for vulnerable groups to avoid outdoor activities during peak hours and stay hydrated.

The heatwave is expected to persist in many regions until the end of the week, with Greece facing particularly high temperatures. The impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe in the southern Mediterranean.