Severe heat continues to plague Europe, with many regions grappling with dangerously high temperatures. Southern Spain is facing the brunt of the current heatwave, as towns such as El Granado recorded a staggering 46C on Saturday, marking a new June record, according to Spain's national weather service. This month is set to be the hottest June on record if temperatures keep rising.
Red heat alerts are in place across various areas, including Portugal, Italy, and Croatia, while multiple amber alerts affect Spain, France, Austria, Belgium, and several nations in the Balkans. Tragically, in Barcelona, a road sweeper suffered a fatal heat-related incident after her shift amidst the extreme conditions, prompting a local investigation.
In Italy, hospital emergency departments are inundated with cases of heat-related injuries, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with health issues. To combat this, hospitals have created dedicated pathways to expedite treatment, and cities like Bologna have established air-conditioned climate shelters.
Health officials in Portugal's Lisbon reported an increase in heat stroke cases, despite public warnings to avoid outdoor activity during peak heat times. The blistering heat has pushed temperatures beyond 40C throughout the western Balkans, with Serbia experiencing its highest temperatures since recordings began, and Slovenia reporting record highs for June.
Looking ahead, the heat is expected to intensify until mid-week, affecting regions in France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, with temperatures in London projected to rise to 35C on Monday. This persistent heatwave results from an area of high pressure that is drawing warm air throughout Europe.
While it remains challenging to attribute specific extreme weather events directly to climate change, scientists conclude that the likelihood of heatwaves has increased dramatically, with June conditions above 28C now tenfold more probable compared to pre-industrial times. The patterns of extreme weather events are undeniably connected to the ongoing climate crisis.
Red heat alerts are in place across various areas, including Portugal, Italy, and Croatia, while multiple amber alerts affect Spain, France, Austria, Belgium, and several nations in the Balkans. Tragically, in Barcelona, a road sweeper suffered a fatal heat-related incident after her shift amidst the extreme conditions, prompting a local investigation.
In Italy, hospital emergency departments are inundated with cases of heat-related injuries, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with health issues. To combat this, hospitals have created dedicated pathways to expedite treatment, and cities like Bologna have established air-conditioned climate shelters.
Health officials in Portugal's Lisbon reported an increase in heat stroke cases, despite public warnings to avoid outdoor activity during peak heat times. The blistering heat has pushed temperatures beyond 40C throughout the western Balkans, with Serbia experiencing its highest temperatures since recordings began, and Slovenia reporting record highs for June.
Looking ahead, the heat is expected to intensify until mid-week, affecting regions in France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, with temperatures in London projected to rise to 35C on Monday. This persistent heatwave results from an area of high pressure that is drawing warm air throughout Europe.
While it remains challenging to attribute specific extreme weather events directly to climate change, scientists conclude that the likelihood of heatwaves has increased dramatically, with June conditions above 28C now tenfold more probable compared to pre-industrial times. The patterns of extreme weather events are undeniably connected to the ongoing climate crisis.
