Venice, Italy – Italy and several other countries in southern Europe are preparing for an impending heatwave, with meteorologists predicting record-breaking temperatures that have raised concerns for public health. As the region continues to experience extreme weather conditions, authorities are taking proactive measures, mobilizing medical resources, and urging citizens to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day.
Last year, Europe witnessed a devastating heatwave that resulted in an estimated 61,600 heat-related deaths between May and September. Shockingly, Italy alone accounted for 18,000 fatalities. With thermometers soaring close to 40C across Italy, Spain, parts of France, Greece, and the Balkans, experts warn that the situation could worsen. Rome is projected to reach a scorching 43C, potentially setting an all-time high, according to the Guardian, while the island of Sardinia may experience an unprecedented temperature of 48C.
According to Il Meteo, the leading Italian weather forecasting agency, the current heatwave is unparalleled in terms of its intensity, duration, and geographical extent. Meteorologist Mattia Gussoni emphasized the exceptional nature of this event, stating in the Financial Times, “We are on the threshold of a historic heatwave, even amidst a changing climate. Having temperatures of 42C to 44C for multiple consecutive days and in numerous cities is absolutely abnormal.”
Italy issues ‘extreme’ health warning for 16 cities as heat wave grips Europe https://t.co/NbzngW4Ioq pic.twitter.com/tGn4fEfJa7
— CNN International (@cnni) July 15, 2023
As the heatwave tightens its grip on southern Europe, authorities are increasingly alarmed about public health. Italian officials have issued strong advisories urging citizens to remain indoors during the hottest hours of the day. In Greece, the Acropolis temporarily closed after a visitor collapsed due to the scorching heat, highlighting the dangers faced by individuals in such extreme conditions. Furthermore, a precautionary evacuation of at least 4,000 people was carried out on La Palma, one of the Spanish Canary Islands, due to a wildfire that broke out amidst the soaring temperatures.
The impending record temperatures are a result of an anticyclone known as Charon, named after the mythical ferryman of the dead in Greek mythology, which is sweeping in from North Africa. These alarming forecasts come on the heels of the world experiencing its hottest June on record. Scientists from the European observation agency Copernicus Climate Change Service revealed that average temperatures for the month were 0.5C above the 1991-2020 average.
European authorities are urgently urging citizens to take necessary precautions to safeguard their well-being. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu felt the severe impact of the heatwave, according to Reuters, requiring hospitalization after experiencing mild dizziness due to dehydration from prolonged exposure to the scorching sun at the Sea of Galilee. In a social media video, he acknowledged his mistake, emphasizing the importance of wearing a hat and staying hydrated under such extreme conditions.
The current heatwave arrives only months after Italy grappled with devastating floods in its agriculturally rich Emilia-Romagna region. Unusually heavy rainfall resulted in the equivalent of seven months’ precipitation pouring down in a mere two weeks. Tragically, the floods claimed 17 lives and caused billions of dollars’ worth of crop damage.
Italy faced additional challenges during the heatwave, as a one-day airline strike disrupted flight services, following a rail worker strike just days prior. Nevertheless, despite the adversities, the Italian people have shown resilience. Coldiretti, Italy’s agricultural lobby, reported a 20 percent increase in fruit consumption as Italians seek refreshing relief from the intense heat through juicy, hydrating produce.
As Europe braces for an unprecedented heatwave, authorities and citizens alike must remain vigilant to protect public health. The region’s resilience will once again be tested as individuals adapt to extreme weather events that continue to reshape their lives and environment.
