Severe Heatwave Sweeps Across Southern Europe and North-West Africa: Record-Breaking Temperatures

A severe heatwave is currently spreading across certain areas of southern Europe and north-west Africa, and it is expected to bring potentially record-breaking temperatures in the upcoming days. In parts of Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey, temperatures are predicted to surpass 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Tragically, a man in his forties lost his life on Tuesday in northern Italy due to the extreme heat. Reports from Italian media indicate that the 44-year-old worker was painting zebra crossing lines in the town of Lodi, near Milan, when he collapsed from the heat. He was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately passed away later.

The intense heat has also caused several visitors, including a British man outside the Colosseum in Rome, to collapse from heatstroke. To combat the effects of the heat, people are being advised to drink a minimum of two liters of water daily and to avoid dehydrating beverages such as coffee and alcohol.

Tourists from Australia in Rome expressed their surprise at the high temperatures and shared that it has affected their plans as tourists. They mentioned that they try to avoid going out in the middle of the day to cope with the heat. Italian tourists from the town of Potenza, located in the Apennine mountains, noted that their hometown experiences more tolerable temperatures compared to Rome.

Amidst the heatwave, individuals are emphasizing the need for action on climate change. They believe that responsibility lies not only with the government but with each individual. Suggestions include reducing plastic usage, avoiding excessive air conditioning, and transitioning to electric cars. People believe that the damage from climate change has already occurred, and it is crucial to take steps to address the issue.

The heatwave, named Cerberus after the three-headed monster in Dante's Inferno, is expected to continue bringing extreme conditions in the coming days. Spain has already been enduring scorching temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius for several days, with overnight temperatures remaining high at around 25 degrees Celsius in many regions. To assist those affected by the heat, the Andalusian regional government has established a telephone assistance service, which has already received 54,000 calls since its opening in early June.

A satellite image captured revealed that the land surface temperature in the Extremadura region of Spain reached a staggering 60 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. This serves as a testament to the severity of the ongoing heatwave and the urgent need for individuals, communities, and governments to address climate change and its consequences.