Rome
AP
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Major heat waves in Southern Europe have pushed temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in countries including Italy, Spain and Greece.
Experts have linked the frequency and intensity of these heatwaves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common in the southern regions of Europe.
A serious heat wave was recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend, with locals and tourists taking shelter from the slower situation.
Two-thirds of Portugal were highly wary of extreme heat and wildfires on Sunday, with temperatures expected to exceed 107 Fahrenheit (42 Celsius) in Lisbon.
In Italy, several regions of Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria had planned to ban outdoor work activities during the hottest times of the day, in response to record high temperatures. Italian trade unions have urged the government to expand such measures at a national level.
On Sunday, Italian Ministry of Health placed 21 of 27 monitored cities under the highest heat warning, including top holiday destinations such as Rome, Milan and Naples.
In Rome, tourists looked for shade near popular places such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, and used umbrellas to drink from public water fountains to keep them cool.
Similar scenes have been reported in Milan and Naples, with street vendors selling lemonade to tourists and residents to provide a refreshing refreshment from the heat.
Greece was once again warned of high wildfires due to extreme weather. The first summer heat wave was expected to continue throughout the weekend.
A massive wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuation and road closures near an ancient temple in Poseidon. Strong winds spread flames, damage the house and send smoke into the sky.
Greek authorities deployed 130 firefighters, 12 and 12 helicopters to combat the flames, but police evacuated 40 people and five areas received evacuation orders.
In Spain, locals and tourists were desperately trying to cool this weekend as they were getting hot with temperatures of 107 Fahrenheit (42 Celsius) in southern cities along with other parts of the southern and central Seville.
Spain’s southern region recorded temperatures above seasonal averages, prompting health alerts and safety recommendations from authorities. The country’s National Weather Service AEMET says June is set to break yet another record, and will be the hottest month since the record began.
Experts warned that severe fever can affect daily life, especially for vulnerable populations such as elderly people and children.
Local governments advised physical activity during the hottest times of the day and recommended drinking plenty of liquids.
The Lancet Public Health Study published last year highlights the increased risk of heat-related deaths caused by climate change. The study predicted that fever-related deaths could exceed quadruple up by the middle of the century under current climate policy.
Although more people die colder than heat, the study highlighted that rising temperatures offset the benefits of mild winters, leading to a significant net increase in heat-related mortality.
