A scorching heat wave has engulfed southern Europe, driving temperatures to a blistering 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and beyond, affecting nations like Italy, Spain, and Greece. In response, authorities have issued new warnings highlighting the elevated risk of wildfires. Climate experts attribute this upsurge in heat wave frequency and intensity to climate change, suggesting such extreme weather patterns are becoming the norm in Europe’s southern regions.
Before the weekend, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal were particularly hit, where locals and tourists sought refuge from the oppressive heat. Portugal faced extreme heat advisories across two-thirds of its terriory on Sunday, with temperatures in Lisbon anticipated to climb to a staggering 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit).
Italy prepared for these unprecedented temperature highs by considering banning certain outdoor work during peak heat hours, specifically in regions like Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria. Inspired by calls from trade unions, there is an ongoing push for these measures to be implemented on a national scale. On Sunday, Italy’s Health Ministry placed 21 of its 27 monitored cities under the most severe heat alert. These include prime tourist spots such as Rome, Milan, and Naples.
In Rome, tourists clustered near landmarks, utilizing umbrellas and public fountains for relief, while in Milan and Naples, vendors provided lemonade to help locals and visitors cope. Greece also remained on high alert for potential wildfires, confronting an extensive heat wave continuing through the weekend.
A significant fire erupted near Athens on Thursday, necessitating evacuations and road closures around the historic Temple of Poseidon. The fire, driven by strong winds, led to property damage and blanketed the sky with smoke. The Greek government promptly dispatched around 130 firefighters, 12 planes, and 12 helicopters to combat the blaze, and evacuated 40 people in five ordered regions.
Spain too fought against the heat, with Seville and other southern and central areas seeing temperatures soar to 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit). This aberrant heat exceeding seasonal norms triggered health warnings and safety guidance by local authorities. Spain’s meteorological agency, Aemet, stated that June is on pace to become the hottest month recorded, affirming the pattern of rising temperatures.
Experts have raised concerns about the impacts of such intense heat, with vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children at elevated risk. Officials advised avoiding physical exertion during the hottest periods and encouraged a steady intake of fluids. A previous study by Lancet Public Health underscored the escalating threat of heat-related fatalities due to climate change. It projected that without substantial policy changes, heat-related deaths could multiply fourfold by midcentury.
Though cold-related deaths currently surpass those caused by heat, the study emphasized that the increasing temperatures threaten to negate the benefits of gentler winters, resulting in a significant net rise in fatalities due to heat exposure.