A severe heatwave continues to grip large parts of Europe, with temperatures soaring above 40C in several countries. Authorities have issued health warnings and red heat warnings in parts of Portugal, Italy, and Croatia.
Spain’s national weather service has reported a new heat record for June, with temperatures reaching 46C in the town of El Granado. This month is on track to be the hottest June on record. The country’s capital, Barcelona, witnessed a woman’s death after completing a shift as a road sweeper, highlighting the dangers of the extreme heat.
In Italy, emergency departments have seen an uptick in heatstroke cases, mainly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, cancer patients, and homeless people. To mitigate the effects, hospitals like Ospedale dei Colli in Naples have set up dedicated heatstroke pathways. Other cities, including Bologna and Rome, have established climate shelters with air conditioning and drinking water.
The heatwave has also affected countries across the western Balkans, with temperatures exceeding 40C. Serbia recorded its highest-ever temperature since it began recording them, while Slovenia saw its hottest-ever June temperature. North Macedonia is also experiencing high temperatures, reaching 42C on Friday.
Climate scientists warn that heatwaves are becoming more common and intense due to climate change. Analyzing the influence of climate change on extreme weather events, World Weather Attribution says June heatwaves with three consecutive days above 28C are about 10 times more likely to occur now compared to pre-industrial times.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9dgqnndx9xo