Europe is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures potentially exceeding 48.8°C (119.84°F) in Italy, possibly breaking the continent’s historical temperature record.
Named Cerberus after the mythical three-headed dog, this anticyclone is expected to drive temperatures above 40°C in Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey over the coming days.
In Italy, Sardinia and Sicily are forecasted to reach nearly 48°C, prompting a red alert in ten cities including Rome, Florence, and Bologna.
The current heatwave resembles the one that reached 48.8°C in Sicily in August 2021. While it’s uncertain if this record will be matched or exceeded, the Italian Meteorological Society warns that similar meteorological conditions are in play.
An intense heatwave, driven by the Cerberus anticyclone, is pushing temperatures in Italy to potentially historic highs, with red alerts issued for major cities.Researchers attribute the heightened frequency of such extreme heatwaves to global warming. Recent data show the planet has recorded its hottest days ever multiple times within a week, highlighting the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Chloe Brimicombe from Austria’s University of Graz points out that extreme heat strains societal infrastructure, including energy grids, health services, transportation, and agriculture, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable.
The 2022 summer saw over 61,000 heat-related deaths across Europe, with Italy, Spain, and Germany being the hardest hit. The ongoing Cerberus heatwave raises concerns about a potentially higher death toll this summer.
Experts like Simone Tagliapietra from Bruegel stress that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events underscores the necessity for immediate climate action. Such events impact energy systems, stressing electricity grids and reducing hydropower output, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive climate policies.