‘Excessive heat warning’ issued in Europe as 42C heatwave roasts continent

A heatwave is sweeping across Europe, roasting the continent with temperatures in some areas of Italy expected to hit 42℃ by tomorrow lunchtime. The Italian Meteorological Service has issued an “Excessive Heat Warning” for certain areas of the country.

Forecast models indicate that the heatwave will persist across much of the country through at least June 23. Temperatures are set to exceed 40℃ in interior areas of south-central mainland Italy and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, with the peak around tomorrow.

In Foggia in southern Italy, temperatures are expected to hit 42.1℃ at around midday tomorrow.

The peak of the heatwave is expected tomorrow, before a weather system moves into northern regions, bringing showers, storms and some relief from the heat in northern areas, according to Crisis24.

As of June 19, officials issued high-temperature warnings across the country, including orange warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for Basilicata, Puglia, Sardinia, and Sicily regions and yellow warnings for regions including Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche and Calabria. 

Crisis24 warned that the extended period of heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for additional wildfire growth, as well as a threat to vulnerable groups due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or exhaustion. Such temperatures also produce the risk of warping trail tracks and road damage. 

Meanwhile, in Spain, meteorologist Jose Miguel Viñas said they too are “heading straight to the 40°C mark,” adding that an “anticylonic” pattern is to blame for what is inbound, reported the Olive Press News Spain. 

“This anticyclonic influence will result in a sunny day across most parts of the country, pushing temperatures up significantly,” Viñas said.

The region of Andalucia, which sits at the southern base of Spain, will hit 40°C on Sunday (June 23), with Madrid following suit by Thursday and Friday (June 27-28). The cities of Sevilla and Cordoba, in the Andalucia region, could also peak at 43°C for this week. 

In Greece, temperatures have soared above 40°C in recent days, prompting local authorities to shut down the Acropolis in Athens and warn people to stay indoors between the hours of 11am and 3pm, reported euronews. 

Last week, Greece recorded its earliest ever heatwave, with temperatures rising to 38°C for more than three days in a row. 

In Thessalia, locally high temperatures are expected, with a yellow warning issued, according to MeteoAlarm. 

Heatwaves can be extremely dangerous. TV presenter Michael Mosley died on the Greek island of Symi, while a 55-year-old American tourist was also found dead on the island of Mathraki.