In response to the ongoing heatwave impacting Southern Europe, heatwave warnings have been issued in 16 cities throughout Italy. This extreme heat has prompted alerts even for healthy individuals, with popular tourist destinations such as Rome, Florence, and Bologna included in the warnings, BBC has reported.
As another heatwave approaches, higher temperatures are expected across Europe in the coming week. The European Space Agency (ESA) has indicated that Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Poland may experience extreme conditions. Through its satellite monitoring system, the ESA tracks land and sea temperatures.
While periods of intense heat are natural weather phenomena, they have become increasingly frequent, intense, and prolonged worldwide due to global warming. Italy's government has advised residents and visitors in areas under red warnings to avoid direct sunlight from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and to exercise special care for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly.
Greece has recently encountered temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To safeguard visitors, the iconic Acropolis was temporarily closed during the peak hours of Friday. Concerns also arise regarding the heightened risk of wildfires, particularly in regions characterized by strong winds. The country endured significant wildfires during a previous anomalous heatwave in 2021.
Central regions of Europe, including Germany and Poland, have also experienced high temperatures. The Meteorological Office of the Czech Republic has issued a warning indicating that temperatures may exceed 38 degrees Celsius during the weekend—an unusually high level for the country. Conversely, certain areas of England anticipate heavy rainfall and gusty winds on July 15.
Meteorologists attribute this weather pattern to a southward shift in the jet stream, intensifying the hot conditions in Europe and drawing low-pressure systems to the United Kingdom, resulting in unstable and cooler weather. Dubbed "Cerberus" by the Italian Meteorological Society, the current heatwave in Europe takes its name from the three-headed monster depicted in Dante's "Inferno."
Italian meteorologists caution that the next anticipated heatwave, named "Charon" after the mythical ferryman of the underworld, may elevate temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius next week.
Beyond Europe, abnormal heatwaves have also affected regions in the United States, China, North Africa, and Japan. Responding to the scorching temperatures, the Greek Ministry of Culture announced the temporary closure of the Acropolis from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (9:00 AM to 2:00 PM GMT), with similar measures likely to be implemented on July 15.
Situated atop a rocky hill with limited shade, the Acropolis typically experiences higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas. Other tourist sites near the Sacred Rock remained accessible throughout the day.
To assist individuals struggling with nausea and dizziness caused by the heat, the Greek Red Cross has been distributing bottled water. People are advised to consume a minimum of two liters of water per day and to avoid coffee and alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration.
According to Copernicus, the European climate monitoring service, June of this year marked the hottest month on record. Sicily holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe, reaching 48.8°C in August 2021.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that extreme weather conditions induced by climate change are increasingly becoming the new norm, emphasizing the urgency of addressing global warming.
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