ROME: Unprecedented heatwaves are gripping various parts of the world, from the United States (US) to Europe and Japan, highlighting the escalating threat of global warming. Tens of millions of people are contending with dangerously high temperatures, prompting red alerts and health warnings in multiple countries.
In Italy, the health ministry issued a red alert for 16 cities, including Rome, Bologna, and Florence, as historic highs are predicted over the weekend. The meteo center has cautioned Italians to brace themselves for “the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time.”
Rome may experience temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) by Monday, potentially soaring to 43 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, surpassing the previous record of 40.5 degrees Celsius set in August 2007. The European Space Agency has warned that the islands of Sicily and Sardinia could face scorching temperatures as high as 48 degrees Celsius, potentially marking the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe.
Europe Under Extreme Heatwave
Meanwhile, Greece is also experiencing extreme heat. The national weather service, EMY, has indicated that parts of the country could witness highs of up to 44 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The city of Thebes already endured scorching temperatures of 44.2 degrees Celsius on Friday. In response to the heatwave, the Acropolis, Athens’s renowned tourist attraction, remained closed for a second consecutive day on Saturday during the hottest hours, with temperatures expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius. Several parks in the capital were also closed as a precautionary measure.
Notably, regions of France, Germany, Spain, and Poland are also being subjected to sweltering temperatures, further contributing to the global heatwave.
These record-breaking heatwaves serve as a stark reminder of the pressing challenges posed by global warming. Scientists have long warned about the detrimental consequences of climate change, and these extreme weather events are consistent with their predictions. The soaring temperatures underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable practices to safeguard the planet and future generations.
