Meteorologists in Italy have issued warnings about an intense heatwave set to peak in the coming days, following red alerts for 16 cities. Rome, Florence, and Bologna are among those experiencing this severe heatwave.
The red alerts indicate that even healthy individuals could be at risk, prompting the Italian government to advise avoiding direct sunlight from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.
Temperatures across southern Europe are nearing record levels, with the potential to surpass the highest recorded temperature in European history. The current heatwave, driven by an African anticyclone, is expected to last several more days.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe, 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.84 Fahrenheit), was in Syracuse, Sicily, in August 2021, and this record could be broken soon, according to the European Space Agency.
Severe heat conditions impact southern Europe, prompting evacuations in Spain’s Canary Islands and the closure of Greece’s Acropolis amidst rising temperatures.In addition to Italy, Spain and Greece are also experiencing extreme heat. Spain’s Canary Islands have seen dangerous conditions and wildfires, prompting evacuations. Greece closed the Acropolis over the weekend due to the severe heat.
The peak of the heat in Italy is forecasted between Monday and Wednesday, with temperatures possibly reaching 40 degrees Celsius in the north and up to 46 degrees Celsius in central and southern regions.
The Italian Meteorological Society has noted that the current weather pattern resembles that of August 2021, which saw the record temperature in Sicily.
Climate scientists emphasize that these extreme temperatures highlight the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that ongoing emissions and the return of El Niño could lead to even more severe weather in the future.