Unbearable heatwave hits most of Europe, temperatures forecast up to 43°C

(Patria) - The heatwave that has hit most of Europe continues. Across Italy, Spain, Portugal and France - temperatures of 35 to as high as 40 degrees are expected until the end of the weekend.

The cause of the new heat peak in the south of the continent is the so-called heat dome - a large, powerful high-pressure system that forms a kind of lid over a certain area and blocks air circulation in the lower layers, causing it to gradually heat up.

Europe is sweating and suffocating due to the spread of a "very intense" heatwave for this time of year - the continent usually experiences such high temperatures in July and early August.

It comes after a series of broken extreme heat records, including the warmest March ever recorded in Europe.

As a result of global warming, extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense. The warmest June on record is ending.

- We have so many record-high values that it doesn't seem like big news. If you look at the ratios, record-high values far outweigh record-low values - that's a sign that things are out of balance - says Bernadette Woods Placky, chief meteorologist at Climate Central.

Health and fire warnings have been issued for southern Europe, and temperatures are expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius in some places over the weekend.

Hot air from North Africa, spreading across the Balkans to other parts of Europe, is contributing to the rising temperatures.

In the Spanish capital, Madrid, the usually busy streets are full of residents and tourists seeking relief from the heat in various ways. They seek shade or the help of sprinklers - which have been set up in public places.

- Honestly, in Madrid there is no sea, and there are almost no pools, so I don't handle the heat very well, mainly because I sweat too much. It's a bit uncomfortable, but well, what is, is - says a resident of the Spanish capital.

Spanish emergency services are on standby to deal with an increase in cases of heatstroke, especially among the vulnerable, including children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

France has been enduring a heatwave for more than a week. An orange alert, the second highest in the country, has been issued for the southern regions.

- A new anticyclone is settling over France and we will again have what we call a "heat dome", with temperatures rising by 1 to 2 degrees day by day.

The warm air is self-sustaining, the sky is clear, so we will again see exceptional values, often 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages, and this will be long-term - says Jérôme Cerisier, meteorologist at Weather Solutions.

Municipal pools in Marseille are free for everyone until the end of the heatwave.

Fires have already hit some parts of Europe. Towns on the Greek coast, near the capital Athens, have burned, flames destroying homes - forcing residents to evacuate.

Temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, so authorities advise staying indoors. A telephone line has been set up for anyone needing medical advice.

- The municipality has opened seven community centres in Athens, one for each district, which will operate from nine in the morning until nine in the evening. We are receiving both Greeks and tourists who need a break from the very high temperatures - said the Deputy Mayor of Athens, Olga Dourou.

The British national meteorological service has forecast temperatures above 30 degrees over the weekend, so a yellow heat warning has been declared for several regions.

In Italy yesterday, a red heat warning was issued for 17 cities, including cities in the north such as Milan, Bologna and Turin.

Today, the heat warning will be extended to 21 Italian cities.

Some regions, such as Liguria and Sicily, have issued regulations banning outdoor work during the riskiest hours, and unions have been active in extending its implementation to other regions.

The Ansa news agency reports that the number of calls to emergency medical services increased last week due to the heat.

Last year was the hottest on record and led to global disasters. Recovery cost 300 billion euros.

A Lancet Public Health study from last year reveals that heat-related deaths in Europe could triple by the end of the century, to 129,000 people per year.