Southern Europe Gripped by Severe Heat Waves Linked to Climate Change

Extreme heat waves have descended upon southern Europe, pushing temperatures above 40 C (104 F) in countries including Italy, Spain, and Greece. As local authorities issue warnings against the risk of wildfires, experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of these heat waves to climate change. The heat has become so severe that two-thirds of Portugal are on high alert for extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures expected to top 42 C (107 F) in Lisbon.

Key Takeaways:

• Temperatures above 40 C (104 F) were recorded in Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal, prompting local authorities to issue warnings against the risk of wildfires.
• Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of heat waves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across Europe's southern region.
• In Italy, some regions planned to ban outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record-high temperatures.
• Italian trade unions pushed the government to expand such measures at a national level.
• The Italian Health Ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan, and Naples.
• Similar scenes were reported in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to tourists and residents to offer some refreshment from the heat.
• Greece was on high wildfire alert due to extreme weather, with the first summer heat wave expected to continue throughout the weekend.
• A Lancet Public Health study published last year highlighted the increasing risk of heat-related deaths because of climate change, predicting that heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by midcentury under current climate policies.

Statistics:

• Temperatures above 40 C (104 F) were recorded in multiple countries, including Italy, Spain, and Greece.
• Two-thirds of Portugal were on high alert for extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures expected to top 42 C (107 F) in Lisbon.
• The Italian Health Ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert.
• Greece deployed 130 firefighters, 12 planes, and 12 helicopters to battle a wildfire that broke out south of Athens.
• A Lancet Public Health study predicted that heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by midcentury under current climate policies.

Sources:

• Associated Press - A Major Heat Wave Hits Southern Europe (NO PUBLICATION DATE)
• The Lancet Public Health - Study on increasing risk of heat-related deaths because of climate change