Greece a hot weekend, extreme heat is experienced in the rest of the Mediterranean countries. In addition, very high temperatures can no longer be considered extreme weather conditions because they tend to acquire the character of regularity.
Italy: “Red” in 14 cities
Italian media are calling the heatwave the “African Heatwave” because warm air masses from Africa are sweeping across large parts of southern Europe, raising temperatures.
Euronews reports that the temperature in Rome has risen above 40 degrees and four people have already died of extreme heat in the city.
The Italian Ministry of Health has put the capital and 13 other cities on the highest alert level – red.
In fact, a few days ago, European Space Agency (ESA) scientists predicted that the temperature in the islands of Sicily and Sardinia could reach 48 degrees Celsius. If confirmed, it would be “the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe,” the ESA notes.
The temperature in Rome can reach 44 degrees Celsius.
Along with a “red alert” for Rome, Florence, Bologna, Palermo, Catania in Sicily and Cagliari in Sardinia, Italian authorities issued an “orange” warning – the second-highest heat warning in nine other cities. The country’s health ministry advises the public to stay hydrated, eat lighter meals and avoid direct sunlight until 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m
CNN reports that the European Space Agency warned that the heat wave in Europe started in the Mediterranean countries, but will gradually affect other countries as well. France, Germany and Poland are expected to experience extreme weather this week
Spain – Portugal: Heat and fire risk warning
In Madrid, the temperature is close to 40 degrees. Even when the mercury reads 39, the actual heat “feels” like 40 degrees (and 38 in the shade).
The Spanish government has launched an awareness campaign about extreme heat and is considering banning outdoor activities.
Another six regions of Spain are also on high temperature alert.
About 40 municipalities in Portugal have been alerted to fires in rural areas due to the heat.
Temperatures remain high in Lisbon and many head to the beaches to escape the heat.
Euronews reports that the heat wave is expected to continue over the weekend.