The Heat Wave Intensifies in Southern Europe
Fires in areas near the Acropolis in Greece, July 17, 2024. Photo: X/ @Cattabliss
July 18, 2024 Hour: 8:25 am
For days, Italy has been facing a strong heatwave that has already caused three deaths.
Almost all of southern Europe is suffering from the effects of an intense heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and severe fires.
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From Turkey to Italy, southern Europe is experiencing an especially hot summer, with temperatures above the usual, which has prompted authorities to raise the level of alert for extreme heat.
The first evident sign of the heatwave was seen on Wednesday in Athens. The archaeological site of the Acropolis, one of the most visited monuments, closed for five hours due to the heatwave.
The National Meteorological Service of Greece (EMI) predicts that the heatwave, which started almost a week ago, will reach its peak on Thursday with temperatures that could reach 43 degrees.
The Greek government authorized telework for officials belonging to vulnerable groups from Tuesday to Friday. It also decreed a mandatory cessation of activities for outdoor workers during the hottest hours.
Since Tuesday, Greeks have been facing 46 fire outbreaks, 36 of which were controlled before spreading. In the Turkish capital, the combination of scorching heat and humid air makes breathing difficult in several areas, where humidity approaches 100 percent.
“Istanbul will reach 40 ºC in the center and 43 ºC in skyscraper areas. The heat index will be even higher, do not go outside,” local meteorologists said on Wednesday.
Bulgaria is experiencing its tenth consecutive day of temperatures above 40 ºC, especially in Plovdiv, Sandanski, Silistra, and Ruse, although the heatwave is expected to weaken by the end of the week.
Meanwhile, forest fires continue, with the most serious situation occurring near Stara Zagora, where authorities declared a state of emergency and forced the evacuation of residents.
As of Wednesday night, North Macedonia had recorded 18 active fires, and Albania was facing four forest fires. In Serbia, the northern cities of Kikinda and Vrsac are on red alert for heat. In Belgrade and other cities, the alert has been lowered to orange due to a slight drop in temperatures.
In Italy, however, the temperature is not decreasing. For days, the country has been facing a strong heatwave that has already caused three deaths. Temperatures are expected to reach over 40 degrees in the center and south of the peninsula as well as on the Italian islands.
Since Wednesday, Spain has also been experiencing a heatwave with temperatures of 39-42 degrees in the south, east, and center of its territory.
Autor: teleSUR/ JF
Fuente: EFE
