Severe heat wave hits southern Europe and raises wildfire risks
Rome – Large waves of heat in southern Europe have pushed temperatures above 40 C (104 F) in countries like Italy, Spain and Greece, while local authorities have issued new warnings against the risk of forest fires.
Experts connect the growing frequency and intensity of these waves of heat to climate change, warning that these extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common in the region of southern Europe.
Severe heat was recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend, the inhabitants and tourists preparing in the stifling conditions.
Two -thirds of Portugal were on Sunday alert on Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires, temperatures should exceed 42 C (107 F) in Lisbon.
In Italy, a few regions – Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria – planned to ban certain outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to record temperatures. Italian unions have prompted the government to extend these measures at the national level.
On Sunday, the Italian Ministry of Health ranked 21 of the 27 cities monitored under its highest heat alert, including the best holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples.
In Rome, tourists tried to seek shade near popular sites such as the Colosseum and the Trevi fountain, using umbrellas and drumming public fountains to stay cool.
Similar scenes have been reported in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to tourists and residents to offer heat refreshment.
Greece was again on a strong forest alert due to extreme time, the first summer heat wave that should continue throughout the weekend.
A large forest fire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closings near the old Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds spread the flames, damaging the houses and sending smoke in the sky.
The Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes and 12 helicopters to fight the fire, while the police evacuated 40 people, with five areas under evacuation orders.
In Spain, the inhabitants and tourists were desperately trying to stay cool this weekend, because the country shed at temperatures up to 42 ° C (107 F) in the southern city of Seville as well as other places in the south and the center of the country.
The southern Spain regions have recorded temperatures above seasonal averages, encouraged health alerts and authorities’ safety recommendations. The National Meteorological Service of the Pays Aemet said that June should break another record, becoming the hottest month since the records start.
Experts have warned that intense heat can affect daily life, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.
Local authorities advised physical activity during the hottest hours of the day and recommended drinking a lot of liquids.
A Lancet’s public health study published last year stressed the growing risk of heat -related deaths due to climate change. The study predicted that heat -related deaths could more than quadruple by the middle of the century as part of current climatic policies.
While more people die from cold than heat, the study has stressed that the increase in temperatures will compensate for the advantages of the milder winters, resulting in a significant net increase in heat -related mortality.
