ROME: Tens of millions of people around the world are battling dangerously high temperatures as record heatwaves grip parts of the United States, Europe, and Asia, highlighting the growing threat of global warming.
The US National Weather Service has issued warnings of an “extremely hot and dangerous weekend” as a powerful heatwave stretches from California to Texas. Daytime highs are expected to range between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in the western US.
In Arizona’s state capital Phoenix, temperatures have reached a scorching 111F (43 degrees Celsius) on Saturday, with a forecast of 115F. The Death Valley of California, known as one of the extremely hottest places on Earth, is expected to register new highs on Sunday, with temperatures possibly soaring to 130F (54C). Authorities have issued alerts, urging people to avoid outdoor activities during the day and remain hydrated to prevent dehydration.
Extreme Heatwaves in Europe and Asia
The extreme heat is not limited to the US. In Europe, Italy is predicted to face historic high temperatures, prompting the health ministry to issue a red alert for 16 cities including Bologna, Rome, and Florence. Rome is expected to reach 40C by Monday and 43C on Tuesday, potentially surpassing the previous record of 40.5C set in 2007. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia could experience temperatures as high as 48C, potentially breaking the record for the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe.
France is also grappling with high temperatures and drought, posing a threat to the agricultural industry. Spain is forecasted to experience another heatwave with temperatures above 40C in the Canary Islands and the southern Andalusia region. Meanwhile, torrential rains have been lashing northern Japan, resulting in flooding and claiming the life of a man in a submerged car. South Korea has been hit by heavy rains triggering floods and landslides that have left at least 33 people dead and 10 missing.
These extreme weather events are consistent with the impact of climate change. While it is difficult to attribute a single event to global warming, scientists emphasize that the multiplication and intensification of heatwaves are linked to the increasing dependence on fossil fuels and the resulting global warming. The world recently experienced its hottest June on record, according to the EU’s climate monitoring service.
As countries around the world grapple with the effects of extreme heat and heavy rainfall, the urgency to address climate change and transition to sustainable practices becomes increasingly apparent.
