Southern Europe Sizzles: Heatwave and Wildfires Rampant

Southern Europe and the Balkans are grappling with a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities are taking measures to protect vulnerable populations and address wildfires. The heat is impacting daily life, causing fatalities, and leading to emergency declarations in several regions.

Southern Europe is under siege from an intense heatwave as temperatures surge above 40 degrees Celsius, compelling the Italian health ministry to place 12 cities under maximum heat alert. With the worst yet to come, municipal authorities across southern European and Balkan cities are focusing on safeguarding the elderly, deploying civil protection crews to combat raging wildfires in southern Italy and North Macedonia.

In a bid to counter the extreme heat, air-conditioned public spaces have been made available in Greece, where outdoor work during peak heat hours is restricted. In Albania, a 72-year-old man succumbed to the blistering heat, underscoring the severe human risk posed by this weather pattern.

The heatwave's breadth is vast, with record-breaking temperatures expected to continue in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Albania, leading to nearly empty streets in cities like Tirana. Istanbul, still cooler than its southern counterparts, has also issued advisories, urging vulnerable groups to avoid outdoor activities. The situation is exacerbated by freak storms and wildfires, making this one of the most challenging summers in recent memory.

(With inputs from agencies.)