A relentless heatwave is gripping southern European countries, provoking a series of catastrophic wildfires that have forced thousands to flee their homes, with temperatures reaching alarming levels above 40°C (104°F). Officials in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Balkans have issued red heat alerts, underscoring serious health risks.
Spain's weather service, Aemet, warned that the mercury could rise to an alarming 44°C (111.2°F) in cities such as Seville and Cordoba. Tragically, heat-related incidents have resulted in fatalities, including a child in Italy who succumbed to heatstroke, and a man who passed away from severe burns after a wildfire in Tres Cantos, near Madrid.
The wildfires have forced evacuations in various areas. In Tres Cantos, residents faced an "explosive" threat as a combination of dry conditions and winds exceeding 70km/h (43.5mph) intensified the flames. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged caution, stating that rescue services are working "tirelessly" to control the situation, especially with nearly 4,000 evacuees reported from Castile and Leon, where over 30 separate fires were burning, threatening historical sites.
In Portugal, authorities are combating three significant wildfires, notably a severe incident near Trancoso. Over 1,300 firefighters, supported by aircraft from Morocco, are engaged in firefighting efforts. Predicted temperatures in these regions could also hit 44°C, with no relief expected overnight.
Italy is facing its own crisis, with 16 cities, including Rome and Milan, under heat alerts. A young boy tragically lost his life in Sardinia due to heatstroke, emphasizing the dangers of the extreme weather. Furthermore, parts of France, Greece, and Turkey have also been impacted, with evacuations reported on several islands and in regions near the Aegean Sea.
Amidst these events, the UK prepares for its fourth heatwave of the year, which has raised national health alerts due to potential temperatures reaching 34°C.
As climate scientists warn of the increasing severity and frequency of such extreme weather events due to global warming, experts are calling for urgent action to mitigate future risks as this summer's conditions mark a dire period for southern Europe.
