Italy has issued red alerts for 16 cities, including popular tourist destinations such as Rome, Florence, and Bologna, as extreme heat persists in southern Europe. The United Nations children agency (UNICEF) reported that at least 289 children have died at sea in the first half of 2023 while attempting to reach Europe, with the number nearly doubling compared to the same period last year. These children are driven to undertake dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea due to conflict and climate change.
The Italian government has advised people in the affected areas to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 and 18:00 and to take extra care of the elderly and vulnerable. The heatwave has made it difficult for tourists in Rome, with overcrowding exacerbating the challenges. In Venice, the gondoliers described the heat as unbearable, causing discomfort and pain for both locals and tourists.
Greece has also experienced temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, leading to the closure of the Acropolis in Athens during the hottest hours to protect visitors. The risk of wildfires is a concern, particularly in areas with high winds. In Spain, a forest fire on the island of La Palma forced the evacuation of hundreds of people and destroyed multiple houses.
Central parts of Europe, including Germany and Poland, have also been affected by high temperatures. The Czech Republic issued a warning of temperatures surpassing 38 degrees Celsius, which is exceptionally high for the country. Southern Spain, southeastern Italy, and Greece are expecting highs of up to 47 degrees Celsius, possibly breaking city records.
In the UK, unsettled and cooler weather is expected due to the southern shift of the jet stream, drawing low-pressure systems into the country and bringing heavy showers and gusty winds.
The current heatwave has been named Cerberus in Italy, and the next heatwave is predicted to be named Charon. Heatwaves are occurring not only in Europe but also in other parts of the world, including the US, China, North Africa, and Japan. Last month was the hottest June on record, according to the EU’s climate monitoring service, and extreme weather events are increasingly becoming the new normal due to global warming, as highlighted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
