- Sweltering heatwave hits southern Europe
- Record-breaking temperatures forecasted
- Health risks and wildfire concerns arise
The sweltering heat raises health and wildfire hazards as well as packing concerns for summer vacationers.
This week and next, a sweltering heatwave gripping southern Europe is forecast to push temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius as many Britons prepare for summer vacations abroad.
Inland Spain is expected to experience temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius in the coming days, while Foggia in eastern Italy could reach 44 degrees Celsius by the middle of next week.
In some regions, temperatures are expected to crest 10 to 15 degrees Celsius above average. In portions of Sardinia, southern Italy, and mainland Greece, maximum temperatures are anticipated to reach 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, compared to an average of 32 degrees Celsius.
Saturday may reach 34 degrees Celsius in Prague, compared to the average of 24 degrees.
North Africa will also experience extreme weather, with temperatures predicted to reach 50 degrees Celsius. Tunisia has already experienced record-breaking temperatures of 49 degrees Celsius.
Grahame Madge, a spokesperson for the Met Office, stated, “The heatwave conditions affecting parts of southwest Europe and northwest Africa are expected to reach the Middle East by the end of the week.”
He added, “Temperatures significantly above average are also possible in northern Europe, but they will be shorter-lived and less severe.”
The United Kingdom will not be affected by the extreme temperatures.
Mr. Madge cautioned, “Communities in affected regions should anticipate health consequences and the possibility of wildfires.
After the hottest June on record, the Globe Meteorological Organisation reported the hottest week on record in July.
Previous research has linked Europe’s temperatures to climate change.
Yesterday, a new study revealed that more than 61 thousand Europeans perished due to extreme temperatures last summer.
In the meantime, another heatwave is sweeping across the southwestern United States, with residents in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Southern California under excessive heat warnings as the temperature is expected to rise above 37 degrees Celsius.
Yesterday, forecasters advised residents of certain regions of Nevada and New Mexico to remain indoors.
Over the weekend, temperatures are anticipated to be 10-12 degrees Celsius above normal from the Alps to western Poland.
Later in the week, a westward expansion of the heatwave across the Canary Islands is also anticipated.
Southern Europe’s heatwave will continue into the following week as Saturday’s temperatures drop and Sunday’s rise.
The weather producer for Sky News, Joanna Robinson, said, “Tuesday and Wednesday of next week appear to have the highest temperatures, with central Spain, Sardinia, and parts of Italy showing areas with temperatures 10 to 12 degrees Celsius above average.”
She added, “This would bring highs of 44 to 45 degrees Celsius, but this could change as we get closer.”
