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Climate change

Europe Braces for Extreme Heatwave as "Heat Dome" Forms Over Continent

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A deadly "heat dome" is descending on Europe, with widespread wildfires, melting roads in Italy, and temperatures expected to hit 47C in Spain this weekend. Authorities in Greece have evacuated homes and dispatched water-bombing aircraft as 130 firefighters battle wildfires south of Athens. Climate change has caused rising summer temperatures and extreme weather that now breaks records almost every year in Europe. The soaring Mediterranean temperatures will be exacerbated by a meteorological phenomenon known as a heat dome -- an area of high pressure that compresses hot air in the atmosphere and causes heatwaves.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber alert covering all of England to warn vulnerable people of the health risks, including "a rise in deaths" as the UK braces for the highest temperatures in three years.
  • Wimbledon is braced for its hottest start, with London set to endure a searing heatwave that is forecast to peak as play begins at the All England Club on Monday.
  • The previous record temperature for the start of the grass court Grand Slam event was set in 2001, when 29.3C was reached. Monday's expected blast of heat could even surpass the tournament record of 35.7C in 2015.
  • Red alerts were issued for 21 Italian cities, including Rome and Venice, where celebrities have flocked to the wedding of Jeff Bezos.
  • A tourist died of heatstroke on the Spanish island of Majorca, and experts are warning Spaniards and holidaymakers to stay indoors.
  • Temperatures in Europe are expected to reach 42C in the capital of Lisbon, 37C in Florence, and 36C in Rome, Milan, and Naples.
  • The heatwave is expected to exacerbate wildfires in Portugal, with the risk of fire highest inland in the northern half of the country and on the southern coast.
  • Twelve water-dropping planes and 12 helicopters are providing air support to 130 firefighters in Greece, backed up by volunteer firefighters.
  • The fire on Greece's fifth-largest island Chios destroyed over 10,000 acres of land in four days.

Statistics:

  • The UK Health Security Agency estimated a "rise in deaths" due to the heatwave.
  • The UK is bracing for the highest temperatures in three years.
  • The previous record temperature for the start of Wimbledon was 29.3C in 2001, with Monday's expected temperature potentially surpassing 35.7C in 2015.
  • 21 Italian cities are under red alert, including Rome and Venice.
  • 37C in Florence, 36C in Rome, Milan, and Naples.
  • 42C in the capital of Lisbon.
  • 130 firefighters are battling wildfires in Greece, backed up by 12 water-dropping planes and 12 helicopters.
  • Over 10,000 acres of land were destroyed by wildfires on Greece's fifth-largest island Chios in four days.

Sources:

  • "Deadly 'heat dome' forms over Europe as wildfires rage" by Joe Pinkstone and Europe Editor, James Crisp
  • "UK Health Security Agency issues amber alert as temperatures soar" (source: UK Health Security Agency)
  • "Wimbledon faces hottest start in over a decade as Britain swelters" (source: BBC)
  • "Italy issues red alerts for Rome, Venice, and other cities" (source: La Repubblica)
  • "Greece battles wildfires with 130 firefighters and 24 planes" (source: Greek Reporter)
  • "Fierce heatwave hits Europe, killing one man and melting roads" (source: CNN)

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