Europe is experiencing its first heatwave of the summer that has already pushed temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius, as the fastest-warming continent continues to witness the impact of a climate emergence, according to The Guardian.
Spain’s state meteorological office, Aemet, issued a special heat warning on June 27 saying that temperatures could touch 42 degrees Celsius in some southern areas of the country over the coming days.
“Very high and persistent temperatures are expected, both during the day and at night, which could pose a risk to exposed and/or vulnerable people,” Aemet warned.
Madrid’s health ministry also urged people to take extra care in the heat, advising them to avoid sun exposure, stay hydrated and monitor elderly, pregnant individuals and those with chronic conditions. Two-thirds of Portugal will be on high alert on Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires as temperatures of up to 42C are expected in Lisbon, reported The Guardian.
According to AFP, firefighters were mobilised in France to tackle early summer fires as 84 of the country’s 101 administrative areas were put on a heatwave alert for June 30 until midweek.
In the Corbières area of Aude in the southwest France, wildfires broke out amid temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, forcing the evacuation of a campsite and abbey as a precaution. Fires were also reported in Turkiye as well on June 29, with other countries on heightened alert.
Al Jazeera reported that two-thirds of Portugal was on high alert on June 29 for extreme heat and wildfires with temperatures in Lisbon expected to top 42 degrees Celsius.
Experts believe that escalating frequency and intensity of the extreme weather events are directly linked to climate crisis indicating a concerning trend for the region, reported Independent.
Before the weekend, severe heat scorched Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal, forcing both residents and tourists to seek refuge from the extreme conditions.
