Southern Europe is currently facing a severe heatwave. Countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece are experiencing temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting local authorities to issue wildfire risk warnings.
According to reports from the Associated Press, experts are warning that such extreme weather events will become increasingly common in the southern European region.
Over the weekend, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal all experienced severe heatwaves, leading locals and tourists to seek shelter from the scorching heat.
On Sunday, two-thirds of Portugal’s regions entered a state of high alert due to extreme high temperatures and potential wildfires. The capital city of Lisbon is expected to see temperatures surpassing 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit).
In Italy, several regions such as Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria are planning to ban some outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day to cope with record-breaking high temperatures. Italian unions are pushing for the government to implement similar measures nationwide.
On Sunday, the Italian Health Ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under the highest heat alert, including popular tourist destinations like Rome, Milan, and Naples.
In Rome, tourists are seeking shade near attractions like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public fountains to stay cool. Similar scenes are unfolding in Milan and Naples.
Due to the extreme weather, Greece has once again entered a state of high wildfire alert, with the first summer heatwave expected to persist throughout the weekend.
Last Thursday, a large-scale wildfire broke out in southern Athens, forcing residents near the ancient Temple of Poseidon to evacuate and roads to be closed. Strong winds fueled the spread of the fire, enveloping the area in thick smoke and causing damage to several homes.
Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes, and 12 helicopters for firefighting operations, with police evacuating 40 people and issuing evacuation orders in five areas.
In Spain, temperatures in the southern city of Seville and other southern and central regions reached 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit), leading locals and tourists to find ways to stay cool.
As temperatures in the southern regions exceed seasonal averages, Spanish authorities have issued health alerts and safety recommendations. The national meteorological agency Aemet stated that June is set to break temperature records, becoming the hottest June on record.
Experts warn that the extreme heat will impact daily life, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.
Local governments advise people to avoid physical activities during the hottest parts of the day and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.