di Carlo Longo
From Spain to Germany, a relentless wave of extreme heat is gripping Europe, breaking records and igniting wildfires as scientists warn this could become the new climate norm.
A punishing heat dome has settled over Europe, triggering one of the most intense June heatwaves ever recorded on the continent. In Spain, temperatures soared to 46°C in Huelva, while Portugal reported an unprecedented 46.6°C in the town of Mora. France, too, endured sweltering heat exceeding 41°C, breaking long-standing national records.
The heat dome, a persistent high-pressure system trapping hot air from North Africa, has created an atmospheric oven stretching across southern and central Europe. The result: scorching temperatures, suffocating humidity, and dangerously elevated fire risks.
Wildfires have already swept through parts of France and Turkey, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. In France, hundreds of schools were closed due to unbearable conditions. Italy issued red-level heat alerts in over 20 cities, with a sharp rise in emergency room visits linked to heatstroke and dehydration. Even northern countries like Germany and the UK are affected—river levels are dropping, transport is being disrupted, and health warnings are in place.
Scientists emphasize that such intense early-summer heatwaves are no longer anomalies. They point to this event as another glaring sign of accelerating climate change, driven by record-high global greenhouse gas emissions. Current average temperatures are estimated to be 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, nudging the world ever closer to climate tipping points.
Forecasts suggest the heat will persist through early July, with regions like Spain, Portugal, and France expected to see sustained highs around 43–45°C. Governments are enacting emergency measures: limiting outdoor work, distributing water in vulnerable communities, and reinforcing firefighting capabilities.
As the continent swelters under an oppressive sun, the message from experts is unmistakable: Europe must brace for more frequent and intense summer extremes—and act swiftly to mitigate the warming trajectory.
(Associated Medias) – all rights reserved
L’articolo June Heat Dome Scorches Europe: Temperature Records Obliterated proviene da Associated Medias.
