Sizzling South: Europe’s Mediterranean Coast Swelters in Historic Heat

The Mediterranean coast of Southern Europe is currently enduring an unprecedented heatwave, characterized by soaring temperatures that have raised significant public health and environmental concerns. In cities such as Rome, Marseille, Lisbon, and Venice, temperatures are anticipated to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), a stark indicator of the region's vulnerability to climate change . The ongoing heatwave is not merely an isolated incident; it follows a series of record-breaking summers that have marked the last three years as the hottest in Spain's history .

Extreme heat is being felt across Europe, with more in store over the coming days. Though the Wimbledon tennis tournament says it is bracing for its hottest-ever start with temperatures expected to be around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), southern countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece look set to see temperatures that are far higher still.

In all, high temperatures are expected to affect the entire Mediterranean, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Balkans.

In Andalusia, in southern Spain, temperatures are set to climb to 43 C in a heatwave forecast to last until late next week. Spain's AEMET state weather service has also forecast high temperatures in the country's northeastern Zaragoza area.

In neighbouring Portugal, around two-thirds of the country will be placed under high alert on Sunday due to extreme temperatures and the risk of wildfires. Lisbon could see highs of 42C.

Across the border in France, with temperatures in Marseille nearing 40C, local authorities have announced that public swimming pools will be free to help residents cool down.

In Italy, where cities such as Naples and Palermo are bracing for 39C heat, the regions of Sicily and Liguria have introduced bans on outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day.

While it is hard to link individual extreme weather events to climate change, heatwaves are becoming more common and more intense due to climate change.

Scientists at World Weather Attribution, who analyse the influence of climate change on extreme weather events, say June heatwaves with three consecutive days above 28C are about 10 times more likely to occur now compared to pre-industrial times.

In response to these extreme conditions, authorities across affected countries are implementing precautionary measures to mitigate health risks. For instance, Italy has issued red alerts in 17 cities and advised residents to remain indoors during peak heat hours . Additionally, France has enacted orange heat alerts while providing free access to public swimming pools as a means of offering relief from the oppressive heat . Such measures reflect a growing recognition of the need for adaptive strategies in the face of climate-induced challenges.

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 Sara H

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