Europe is bracing for another heatwave, pushing temperatures toward record levels as a persistent “heat dome” spreads over the southern half of the continent.
This comes just after the planet saw its hottest day on record for the third time in four days earlier this month. Both the U.S. and China have also experienced temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) recently.
The intense heat affecting hundreds of millions globally is attributed to the climate crisis, with scientists urging immediate and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
A series of severe heatwaves has driven temperatures in parts of Greece, eastern Spain, Sardinia, and Sicily to over 45 degrees Celsius.
Tourists shield themselves from the intense sun at the Colosseum in Rome, as Italy faces extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) notes that Europe is currently experiencing some of its hottest temperatures of the summer due to a heat dome, which traps warm air in place, creating extensive sweltering conditions.
In Italy, where the government has issued red alerts for 23 cities, temperatures are expected to peak near 40 degrees Celsius, with predictions of even higher temperatures next week.
Sardinia and Sicily, in particular, have approached the European temperature record of 48.8 degrees Celsius set in Syracuse in August 2021.
In Greece, wildfires have been subdued with international help, but temperatures are forecasted to hit 45 degrees Celsius. The Greek government has warned of the need for “absolute vigilance” and has closed archaeological sites each afternoon.
Spain’s heat is predicted to lessen in the final week of July, following record-breaking overnight temperatures in Malaga.