Pervasive Heat Wave Roasts Southern Europe, Disrupts Spain’s Slumber

An uncompromising heat wave in Spain began intensifying on Wednesday, with forecasts indicating an imminent sweltering weekend ahead for southern Europe.

According to Spain’s meteorological service, southeastern regions of the Iberian Peninsula – currently on high alert for extreme heat – could potentially endure temperatures reaching 45 C (113 F). This scorching record was first set on Monday in the Loja village near Granada, marking the onset of the heat wave that has been disrupting sleep patterns across the nation.

Over 100 weather stations registered temperatures soaring to at least 35 C (95 F) by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, informed Rubén del Campo, a meteorologist with Spain’s national weather agency.

“Expect a general decrease in temperatures on Wednesday, brought about by incoming cool winds from the North and East, except for the southeastern region and southern Andalusia. Here, hot inland winds will force the temperatures to skyrocket,” said Del Campo.

Even though the Iberian Peninsula anticipates some reprieve in the upcoming days, other European nations will have to endure the simmering conditions through the weekend.

Italy, for instance, has issued high heat alerts in 10 cities for the elderly and other vulnerable groups. This extends from Bolzano in the north to Bologna, Florence, and Rome in the south, with Sardinian inland temperatures projected to hit 40 C (104 F) by Wednesday.

However, Italy’s densely populated Lombardy region experienced storms which resulted in floods, uprooted trees, and damage to building rooftops. Over 200 firefighters were mobilized to handle emergencies in Milan, the regional capital, and other areas including Varese, Lecco, Sondrio, and Bergamo.

In Greece, too, temperatures are gradually rising, with forecasts predicting heat wave highs of 44 C (111 F) in some regions. With wildfires posing a considerable risk, access to forests and nature reserves has been prohibited. Furthermore, to provide respite from the heat, air-conditioned public buildings have been opened for the public.

The Greek agriculture ministry has put forward regulations on the working hours and transport of working animals such as horses and donkeys offering rides in tourist spots during the heat wave. The rules limit their working hours during specific temperature ranges and even prohibit work when temperatures surpass these limits.

Scientists have observed a significant surge in heat-related fatalities in Europe during 2022, a year that saw Spain set temperature records. Owing to climate change, the Mediterranean region is predicted to witness faster temperature rises than most other global regions.

Contributors to this report include Colleen Barry in Milan, and Elena Becatoros in Athens, Greece.

For more on AP’s climate and environment coverage, visit https://bigbignews.net/climate-and-environment

The climate and environmental reporting of Big Big News receives backing from multiple private foundations. Learn more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP has full responsibility for all its content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Heat Wave in Southern Europe

More about Heat Wave in Southern Europe

• Climate Change and Its Impact on Europe
• Extreme Weather Events and Climate Change Attribution
• Heatwaves and Climate Change
• Protecting Vulnerable Groups During Extreme Heat
• Working Animals and Heat Stress