Red alerts have been issued for 16 cities in Italy as southern Europe continues to grapple with extreme heat. Popular tourist destinations such as Rome, Florence, and Bologna are among the areas affected by the alerts. This indicates risks even for healthy individuals. The scorching temperatures are expected to persist in the coming days, with another heatwave forecast for Europe next week.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has highlighted that Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Poland may experience extreme heat conditions. Through satellite monitoring, the ESA tracks land and sea temperatures, providing valuable insights into heat patterns.
While periods of intense heat occur naturally within weather patterns, they are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged due to the effects of global warming on a global scale.
The Italian government has advised residents and visitors in the areas covered by the red alerts to take precautions during the hottest hours of the day. They have recommended avoiding direct sunlight between 11:00 and 18:00 and paying special attention to the elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Greece has also been grappling with scorching temperatures, exceeding 40°C (104°F) in recent days. In an effort to protect visitors, the Acropolis, Greece’s most popular tourist attraction, closed during the hottest hours on Friday.
UK experience shift in weather patterns
There are concerns in Greece about an increased risk of wildfires, particularly in areas with high winds. The country experienced significant wildfires in 2021 during another exceptional heatwave.
Central parts of Europe, including Germany and Poland, have also been experiencing extreme heat. The Czech Republic’s meteorological office has issued warnings that temperatures over the weekend could surpass 38°C, which is exceptionally high for the country.
In contrast, the United Kingdom is experiencing a shift in weather patterns. Heavy showers and gusty winds are expected in parts of England on Saturday. Meteorologists attribute this change to the southern shift of the jet stream, which has fueled the hot weather in Europe, drawing low-pressure systems into the UK and bringing unsettled and cooler weather.
As the heatwave continues to impact southern Europe, authorities are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and take necessary measures to stay cool and hydrated.
