Heatwave in Europe: Over 40 degrees in several countries, state of alert declared across Italy
Italy has placed all major cities on the highest heat alert, while Austria broke a temperature record of 41.2 degrees. The drought is affecting electricity production, shipping, and firefighting efforts across Europe, and authorities are warning of further deterioration.
The severe heatwave hitting Europe continues to break records and affect millions of people, as Italy has placed all major cities in the country on the highest red alert, as reported yesterday (Thursday) by Euronews.
According to the report, temperatures crossed the 40-degree mark in several countries. In Italy, a red alert was declared for the first time this year in all 27 cities under the national heat monitoring system. Authorities called on residents and tourists to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours, to stay indoors as much as possible, and to ensure they drink plenty of fluids. At the same time, opening hours for major tourist sites in Rome, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon, were extended.
In Austria, the national heat record was broken after a temperature of 41.2 degrees was measured in the village of Bad Deutsch-Altenburg — the highest ever recorded in the country. Simultaneously, Austria is dealing with an unusual drought, after the amount of precipitation in the first half of the year was 27% lower than the multi-year average.
Hungary is also experiencing serious consequences of the drought. Low water levels in the Danube have affected the operation of the country's only nuclear power plant, which was forced to significantly reduce electricity production. Consequently, the government ordered the public and factories to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours, cancelled parliamentary sessions, and even restricted the movement of freight trains.
In Germany, there is growing concern over the continued drop in water levels in the Rhine and other rivers, a situation that hinders shipping, industry, and the supply chain. At the same time, in southeastern France, firefighters continue to battle the massive fire in the Var region, which has already consumed more than 60 square kilometers, and authorities warn that dry conditions and strong winds could ignite additional fire hotspots.
According to the report, Balkan countries are also dealing with the extreme heatwave, drought, and fires. Scientists warn that extreme weather events of this kind are becoming more frequent and powerful against the backdrop of climate change, forcing countries across the continent to adapt their health, energy, transport, and infrastructure systems to the new reality.
