A relentless heat wave continues to grip Southern Europe, with Spain bearing the brunt of soaring temperatures. Thermometers are predicted to reach a staggering 113°F (45°C) in southeastern Spain, prompting extreme heat alerts and causing widespread discomfort. As early as 6 a.m. on Wednesday, over 100 weather stations across the country recorded temperatures of at least 95°F (35°C).
While cooler winds from the North and East are expected to offer some respite in the coming days for parts of Spain, the southeastern region and southern Andalusia will continue to experience intense heat due to hot winds blowing from the interior. The heat wave's impact is also being felt across other parts of Europe, with Italy issuing high heat alerts for ten cities, including Bolzano, Bologna, Florence, and Rome. Sardinia is also expected to see temperatures climb to 104°F (40°C).
Northern Italy, however, faced a different challenge as severe storms caused flooding, downed trees, and damaged buildings. Over 200 firefighters were deployed across the Lombardy region, including Milan, Varese, Lecco, Sondrio, and Bergamo, to respond to the emergencies.
Greece is also bracing for a surge in temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of up to 111°F (44°C) in some areas. To mitigate the risk of wildfires, authorities have restricted access to nature reserves and forests. Public buildings with air conditioning are being opened to provide refuge from the heat. The Greek agriculture ministry has also implemented regulations on the working hours of animals like horses and donkeys used in tourist areas, prohibiting their use during the hottest parts of the day.
The 2022 heat wave had a devastating impact on Europe, with a significant increase in heat-related deaths, particularly in Spain, which experienced its hottest year on record. Scientists warn that the Mediterranean region is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures due to climate change, with projections indicating a faster warming rate compared to other parts of the world.
