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Italy is about to experience record-breaking temperatures this week, as southern Europe is struck by an intense heatwave. In response, authorities are mobilizing medical facilities for vulnerable populations and advising people to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day.
The rising heat raises concerns about public health, especially after researchers estimated that last year’s extreme weather led to approximately 61,600 heat-related deaths across Europe, including 18,000 in Italy, between May and September.
Temperatures are soaring to nearly 40C in Italy, Spain, parts of France, Greece, and the Balkans. Meteorologists predict that Rome could reach a record-breaking high of 43C on Tuesday, while the island of Sardinia could see temperatures touch 48C.
Il Meteo, the Italian weather forecasting agency, stated that this heatwave is unprecedented in terms of intensity, duration, and geographic coverage.
Meanwhile, the Acropolis in Greece closed for several hours due to the heat, and a precautionary evacuation of 4,000 people took place on La Palma, one of the Spanish Canary Islands, as a result of a wildfire.
The upcoming record temperatures coincide with the arrival of an anticyclone called Charon, named after the ferryman of the dead in Greek mythology, moving in from North Africa.
European authorities are urging citizens to take precautions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu experienced the effects of the heat personally. He went to the hospital after experiencing mild dizziness from spending time under the sun at the Sea of Galilee without proper protection, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated.
This heatwave in southern Europe follows the extensive flooding that recently affected Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. The flooding, caused by unusually heavy rains, resulted in 17 casualties and massive crop destruction amounting to billions of dollars.
Italian travelers faced additional challenges during this intense heatwave, as a one-day airline strike disrupted flight services on Saturday, following a rail workers’ strike on Thursday.
Italy’s agricultural lobby, Coldiretti, reported a 20% increase in fruit consumption as Italians sought refreshing options to beat the heat.
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