The Italian health ministry issued the highest level of heat warning for 12 cities on Tuesday as a heatwave from Africa engulfed southern Europe, pushing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104F), with even hotter weather expected in the coming days. Authorities in several southern European and Balkan cities implemented measures to protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, while firefighting crews responded to wildfires in southern Italy and North Macedonia.
“It’s hellishly hot,” said Carmen Diaz, a tourist from Madrid.
In Greece, municipalities opened air-conditioned spaces to the public, and certain outdoor work activities were prohibited during the hottest hours of the day when temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius. Temperatures were predicted to soar to 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday in several countries, with Spain’s national weather service warning that thermometers could reach 44 degrees Celsius in the southern Guadalquivir river basin.
“It really feels like we are in an oven with a hair dryer pointed at us,” said Patrizia Valerio, who had just arrived in Rome from Varese for the band’s final performance Tuesday night.
In Albania, a 72-year-old man was reportedly found dead at his farm, with the cause of death believed to be heat-related, although health authorities have not yet confirmed this. The streets and cafes of Tirana were nearly deserted, with the few people venturing outdoors using umbrellas for shade.
High temperatures and winds have been fueling wildfires across the country in recent weeks.
Istanbul municipality issued a heat warning, advising residents to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and to stay hydrated and wear light clothing. North Macedonia faced its second heatwave this month, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius and approximately 200 wildfires raging since the beginning of the month, prompting the government to declare a month-long state of crisis.
Italy’s civil protection service reported receiving 18 calls for assistance on Monday to extinguish wildfires in several southern regions. The health ministry placed 12 cities under a red alert heat warning, urging everyone to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and avoid strenuous outdoor activities and heavy meals. Palermo, Sicily, was expected to join the list of red-bulletin cities on Wednesday.
“It’s hellishly hot,” said Carmen Diaz, a tourist from Madrid.
In Greece, municipalities opened air-conditioned spaces to the public, and certain outdoor work activities were prohibited during the hottest hours of the day when temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius. Temperatures were predicted to soar to 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday in several countries, with Spain’s national weather service warning that thermometers could reach 44 degrees Celsius in the southern Guadalquivir river basin.
“It really feels like we are in an oven with a hair dryer pointed at us,” said Patrizia Valerio, who had just arrived in Rome from Varese for the band’s final performance Tuesday night.
In Albania, a 72-year-old man was reportedly found dead at his farm, with the cause of death believed to be heat-related, although health authorities have not yet confirmed this. The streets and cafes of Tirana were nearly deserted, with the few people venturing outdoors using umbrellas for shade.
High temperatures and winds have been fueling wildfires across the country in recent weeks.
Istanbul municipality issued a heat warning, advising residents to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and to stay hydrated and wear light clothing. North Macedonia faced its second heatwave this month, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius and approximately 200 wildfires raging since the beginning of the month, prompting the government to declare a month-long state of crisis.
Italy’s civil protection service reported receiving 18 calls for assistance on Monday to extinguish wildfires in several southern regions. The health ministry placed 12 cities under a red alert heat warning, urging everyone to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and avoid strenuous outdoor activities and heavy meals. Palermo, Sicily, was expected to join the list of red-bulletin cities on Wednesday.
