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Record-breaking heat of up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit is set to persist in Italy and other parts of Europe as the ‘Cerberus’ heat wave intensifies. Cesare Abbate/EPA-EFE
July 15 (UPI) — Italy and other Mediterranean European regions are preparing for soaring temperatures hitting 120 degrees Fahrenheit as the relentless “Cerberus” heat wave strengthens.
The scorching temperatures will continue to plague southern Europe, with the heat wave expected to intensify starting from Sunday.
Over a dozen cities in Italy are currently under red alert heat warnings, with meteorologists cautioning that Mediterranean islands Sicily and Sardinia could reach 120 degrees. This would signify a historic temperature high for these regions.
Authorities in Rome, Florence, and Bologna are advising people to avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to protect themselves from the extreme heat. These warnings apply to everyone, not just vulnerable populations.
Temperatures are projected to rise from Sunday and reach their peak on Tuesday.
The heat wave, named Cerberus after the three-headed dog in Greek mythology, originated from a high-pressure system that moved across the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa. It has also affected parts of Greece, Spain, France, Poland, and Germany. The European Space Agency has warned that the weather front could extend to Northern Europe.
In addition to Italy, parts of Greece and Spain have experienced temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in recent days.
This week, Madrid, Milan, Rome, and Athens recorded temperatures surpassing historical averages. The famous Acropolis in Athens had to close its doors to visitors due to the extreme heat on Friday and is expected to remain closed throughout the weekend.
A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine revealed that over 18,000 people in Italy died last summer due to the extreme heat. Across Europe, there were more than 61,000 heat-related deaths between early May and early September last year.
