Heat Wave Sweeps Across Southern Europe
A heat wave sweeping across southern Europe has caused extreme weather conditions in countries like Italy, Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, and Turkey. The soaring temperatures have led to wildfires, health warnings, and the closure of popular tourist attractions.
Firefighters Battling Blazes in Italy
In the Basilicata region of southern Italy, two firefighters tragically lost their lives while battling a fire exacerbated by the intense heat wave. Italian authorities have issued severe heat warnings in cities like Palermo and Verona, where elderly residents are being advised to stay indoors. The extreme weather conditions have forced the closure of the Acropolis in Greece, a major cultural landmark.
Efforts to Combat Wildfires in the Region
In response to the wildfires in North Macedonia, neighboring countries like Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, and Turkey have come together to provide firefighting aid. In western Turkey, firefighters successfully brought a wildfire under control near the town of Bergama with the help of water jets. The cause of the fire, fueled by strong winds, is still unknown. Meanwhile, the city government of Istanbul has issued a heat warning as temperatures are expected to soar above seasonal norms.
Continued Hot Weather and Precautionary Measures
Hot air from Africa is forecasted to persist into the weekend, with temperatures reaching a sweltering 43 degrees Celsius. The government of Albania has rearranged the working hours of civil servants to allow for greater flexibility during the heatwave. Spanish cities like Granada and Toledo are also bracing for scorching temperatures in the coming days.
As southern Europe grapples with the effects of the heat wave, coordinated efforts and precautionary measures are crucial in mitigating the impact on both residents and visitors. Stay safe and stay cool during this period of extreme weather.
