European countries are preparing for their first major heatwave of the summer as climate change accelerates the continent’s rising temperatures. Temperatures are expected to soar to 37 degrees Celsius in Rome, prompting tourists and pilgrims alike to seek relief from the sun at the city’s many fountains.
In Marseille, residents face temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius. To help people cope, authorities have made public swimming pools free of charge. Across Portugal, two-thirds of the country will be on high alert for extreme heat and forest fires, with Lisbon forecasted to reach 42 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, visitors and protesters attending a wedding in Venice endured the scorching weather.
Italian student Sriane Mina explained, “I try not to think about it, but I drink a lot of water and keep moving. Staying still is when you get sunstroke.” Spain also braces for temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, a dangerous trend that has already caused deadly wildfires in past years.
Scientists warn that human reliance on fossil fuels is fueling this dangerous trend. Europe’s increasingly intense and frequent heatwaves are a direct result of global warming. In Italy, cities like Naples and Palermo anticipate peaks of 39 degrees Celsius, prompting regional bans on outdoor work during the hottest hours. Trade unions are pushing to expand these measures nationwide.
This heatwave follows a record-breaking March, which was the hottest on record for Europe. Experts warn that climate change is making extreme weather events more severe and frequent, including hurricanes, droughts, floods, and heatwaves like the one gripping the continent now. In 2024, the world experienced its hottest year so far, with disasters costing over 300 billion dollars.
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