Europe’s beloved tourist destinations are bracing themselves for an early summer heatwave, with extreme temperature alerts issued across Spain and Greece. In Spain, the weather agency AEMET has raised alarms for scorching conditions that may exceed 40°C this weekend.
- Advertisement -
In Madrid, the normally bustling streets are now dotted with locals and tourists alike, all in search of respite from the sweltering heat. The authorities have issued a severe high-temperature warning, making it a challenging day for everyone.
One passerby, Marina, a 22-year-old marketing intern, shared her experience, stating, “Honestly, it’s tough. There’s no sea here and barely any pools in Madrid. You sweat so much; it’s just unpleasant.”
Janeth, a 47-year-old street vendor, echoed Marina’s sentiments, describing the heat as “exhausting” and revealing that it prompted her to change jobs due to the unbearable conditions. “My previous work was unbearable; I even felt dizzy from the heat,” she recounted.
As sunlight reflects off the city’s buildings, and umbrellas bloom across the plazas, the intensity of this heatwave has caught many off guard. “It always gets hot in Madrid,” Marina remarked, “but for it to be this intense in June? That’s shocking.”
In response to the rising temperatures, Barcelona City Council has implemented a heat plan as a precautionary measure, ensuring that municipal resources and air-conditioned facilities are accessible to citizens throughout the summer months.
Greece: A Nation Under Heat
Meanwhile, in Greece, temperatures soared above 40°C yesterday, prompting officials to advise residents to stay indoors. Tourists at the Acropolis in Athens coped with the heat through hats, fans, and umbrellas, while air-conditioned centers were designated as havens from the soaring temperatures.
Authorities have established a hotline for those needing medical advice related to the heat. They also recommend that residents refrain from taking out the trash during peak hours, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and limit outdoor activities.
In a proactive move, outdoor work for construction and delivery personnel has been suspended from 9 AM to 2 PM local time, encouraging remote working wherever possible. Meanwhile, at a local animal shelter, four-legged residents are finding relief by splashing in a dog pool.
The fire brigade is on high alert, warning of a significant fire risk in central and southern Greece. Just recently, a wildfire affected a coastal town south of Athens, leading to damage to homes. Meteorologists predict a slight decline in temperatures as the weekend approaches.
While Greece traditionally experiences hot and dry summers, the frequency of longer and more severe heatwaves has escalated in recent years, alongside increasing wildfires stemming from climate change.
UK’s Rising Temperatures
In the United Kingdom, temperatures are also expected to reach 30°C as the second amber heat health alert of the past two weeks has been issued. Yesterday, Coningsby, Lincolnshire, recorded temperatures of 29°C, with the forecast indicating a continued rise in warmth over the coming days.
This amber alert, covering London, the East Midlands, the South East, South West, and East of England, will remain in effect until 6 PM on Tuesday. In contrast, Ireland is not anticipating such extreme temperatures, with cloudy and humid conditions likely to prevail, leading to maximum temperatures of only 17 to 22°C.
As Europe navigates this sudden and intense heat, it’s crucial for everyone to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions. After all, the key to enjoying summer lies in staying safe.
“Heatwaves remind us of nature’s power. Let’s respect it and keep each other safe.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
