Southern Europe hit by heatwaves

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Experts around the world are linking the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves to climate change and are warning that similarly intense heat waves will increase in parts of southern Europe. A large part of western and central Europe is already experiencing heat waves these days. Very high temperatures have also been experienced in France and Germany for several days in a row.

Two-thirds of Portugal was on high alert Sunday due to extreme heat and forest fires. Temperatures in the capital even reached 42 degrees Celsius. In Italy, several regions even planned to ban some outdoor work activities in response to the record temperatures. Italian unions subsequently appealed to the government to extend these measures to the entire country. On Sunday, the Italian Ministry of Health declared the highest level of heat warning in twenty-one cities.

Greece, which has been hit by forest fires recently, was also on high alert due to extreme weather. The prolonged heat wave is expected to last until the end of this week. On Thursday, a forest fire broke out south of Athens, prompting evacuations and road closures near the Temple of Poseidon.

Southern and central Spain are also experiencing very high temperatures. Like Portugal, temperatures here have climbed to 42 degrees Celsius. Authorities have been forced to issue a number of restrictions and advisories related to the high temperatures.

Experts say high temperatures will affect daily life, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. A study published in the Lancet Public Health journal last year highlighted that rising temperatures will offset the benefits of milder winters, leading to a significant net increase in heat-related deaths.

Source:CNN