How is Southern Europe coping with record-breaking heatwaves this summer?

A severe heatwave is gripping Southern Europe, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in several regions. This extreme weather is prompting governments across the Balkans and other Mediterranean countries to issue health and fire warnings. In Bosnia, meteorologists warn of multiple heatwaves this summer, a phenomenon increasingly attributed to climate change. The Bosnian weather service advises avoiding outdoor activities to protect vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children.

In Croatia, authorities remain on high alert after recent wildfires devastated homes along the southern coast. Meanwhile, Albania reports successfully containing eight fires in the past day. Serbia is also experiencing unusually high temperatures, surpassing seasonal averages and causing concern among local officials.

Further west, countries such as Spain, Italy, and France are also enduring intense heat conditions. In Spain, the national meteorological service, Aemet, forecasts sustained high temperatures throughout July, leading health officials to activate alerts to safeguard public health. Italy has issued heat warnings for 21 cities, including tourist hotspots like Venice, as the country braces for temperatures climbing to 42 degrees Celsius.

The escalating temperatures across Southern Europe and the Balkans demonstrate the growing impact of climate change, as heatwaves occur earlier and more frequently each year. These extreme conditions pose significant health risks and elevate the threat of wildfires, demanding vigilant response and preparedness from local authorities and residents alike. As the heatwave persists, the region continues to grapple with the challenges posed by an increasingly volatile climate.