Rome, July 16 (Xinhua) – Temperatures soared in Italy and Spain on Sunday, nearing all-time highs. Even hotter temperatures are forecasted in the upcoming days.
This latest heatwave, the third this summer in Europe, coincides with a surge in tourism. It marks the first summer since 2019 to set a record for the highest number of visitors.
On Sunday, temperatures exceeding 48 degrees Celsius were tentatively recorded in Italy’s Sardinia and Apulia regions, as well as in La Palma, Spain.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe was 48.8 degrees Celsius in Sicily in 2021. An official from the European Space Agency (ESA) informed Xinhua that Europe may experience temperatures close to or above that record in the coming days.
Italy issued a red alert for 16 cities, including Rome and Florence. This means that temperatures during the hottest part of the day could pose a health risk to even young and healthy individuals if precautions are not taken. The weather site Il Meteo stated that temperatures could potentially break all-time records until at least Thursday, when rain is likely to bring relief to many parts of the country.
Rome is expected to reach a record-breaking 43 degrees Celsius on Monday and Tuesday.
Meanwhile, wildfires exacerbated the extreme heat in Spain, forcing 4,000 people to evacuate their homes in La Palma, in the Canary Islands.
Earlier this week, the ESA warned that Europe, including Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Germany, Portugal, and Poland, could witness temperatures nearing national records in the coming days.
In addition to climate change, the heat is intensified by the northward movement of African weather patterns across the Mediterranean Sea. Other localized factors, such as the wildfires in Spain, and global phenomena like El Nino in the Pacific Ocean, are also contributing to the high temperatures.
“The hot weather pattern in the Mediterranean prevents cooler weather systems from reaching the area,” explained Mattia Gussoni from Il Meteo during a TV interview.
Officials and experts have advised residents in the most affected areas to stay indoors whenever possible, seek shade when outdoors, stay hydrated, and consume lighter meals.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
