The extreme heat in Europe has caused several issues, from Italy and Greece to Croatia and Romania. Even countries in the Mediterranean region used to elevated summer temperatures are failing to keep residents cool and wildfires under control.
The health ministry in Italy has placed 12 cities under the most severe heat warning on Tuesday as a wave of hot air coming in from Africa is baking the continent. Temperatures have reached well over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), with more bad news to come.
Croatia
In the stunning seaside country of Croatia, the temperatures in the Adriatic Sea have reached more than 86 degrees Fahrenheit at the walled city of Dubrovnik, which is most well-known as the main shooting location for the hit show Game of Thrones.
The country’s most popular tourist spots have had a difficult time dealing with interference from heat-sick visitors, closed schools, and workplaces amid the soaring temperatures.
Balkan Countries Suffering
Serbia recently reported that the energy consumption for the entire country has hit unprecedented levels due to the overuse of air conditioning.
Several southern European and Balkan cities also took extreme measures to care for elderly residents. During elevated temperatures, young children and older individuals are most susceptible to heat-related injuries.
Wildfires Across the Mediterranean
Several large wildfires have broken out across Italy and North Macedonia.
This week, calls for the government to assist with water-dropping aircraft to douse the growing blazes have risen.
Greece Bans Outdoor Work
Earlier this month, several tourists died of heat exhaustion on the Greek island of Amorgos. After a leisurely hike, two French women and one American man failed to return home. A lengthy investigation amid a deadly heat wave revealed they all suffered from heat stroke while outside.
Now, the country has banned some forms of outdoor work like manual labour, deliveries, and construction due to the hottest days. In other workplace settings, air conditioning will be mandatory if employers want their employees to be available in person.
Spain
Already warm countries like Spain and Portugal are feeling the pain of the sweltering heat as well.
Spain’s national weather service said that temperatures in the southern Guadalquivir river basin could reach as high as 44C in the coming days.
Rome Is Concerned for the Coldplay Concern
Although the animals living in the Rome zoo will experience snow brought in from the north, those flocking to the city to see Coldplay in concert will be sorely disappointed with the temperatures.
The city is now concerned that the air feels like an “oven with a hair dryer pointed at us,” and that the tourists who aren’t used to the heat may experience negative side effects.
Heat Attributed to Global Warming
Several experts note that the increase in storms and extreme temperatures around Europe shows just how fast the global climate is rising.
The southern Mediterranean is meant to be relatively even throughout the year, with highs and lows during the summer and winter. However, in recent years, entire crops of grapes and olives have been lost to harsh spring storms and overly warm summer temperatures.
Heat Related Death Reported in Albania
Temperatures hit 106 degrees Fahrenheit in Albania this week. A 72-year-old man was found dead on his farm in Memaliaj.
His death is believed to have been caused by extreme heat. In the nearby capital city of Tirana, streets and cafes look abandoned as residents stay inside their homes and basements to escape the heat. Wildfires in the south have been exacerbated by extreme highs in the weather and heavy winds.
Wildfires Raging in North Macedonia
Although a relatively small country, North Macedonia faces an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures well above 105 degrees.
The wildfires raging in the dry country have injured one firefighter. The country declared a month-long state of crisis.
Paris is Buckling Under the Heat
With the Olympics set to begin in Paris on July 26, officials are concerned that the increased heat will hamper the games.
Although cool for now, the city is desperately hoping that the heat stays far away from the idyllic city to ensure that athletes can compete without faltering in the heat.
A Bummer for Tourists
As summer is the busiest time for tourism in Italy, millions of visitors have been inconvenienced by the heat warnings in 12 major cities.
From Trieste in the north to Rome in the center of the country, everyone, especially young kids and the elderly, have been told to stay indoors. Last summer told a similar story, with extreme heat ruining the vacation of Brits and Americans hoping to relax in Europe.
