Southern Europe and various other parts of the world are currently in the grip of extreme heat waves, with record-breaking temperatures and widespread alerts. The scorching conditions have sparked concerns about the increasing frequency of such weather events in a warming climate.
Southern Europe is experiencing an intense heatwave, with warnings that temperatures could reach unprecedented highs in some areas. Reports from Italian media suggest that Sardinia may witness temperatures as high as 47°C this week, potentially breaking the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe, set at 48.8°C (120°F) in Sicily in August 2021. Italian authorities have issued red alerts for 16 cities, while a wildfire on the Canary Island of La Palma has forced the evacuation of 4,000 people.
China is also grappling with extreme heat, as the north-western region of Xinjiang provisionally recorded its highest temperature ever at 52.2°C on Sunday, according to the Met Office. Meanwhile, in the United States, a heat dome covering the southwest has placed millions of people under extreme heat warnings, with forecasters predicting that temperature records will likely be broken. Death Valley in California registered a scorching 53.9°C (128°F) on Sunday, nearing the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth, which stands at 56.7°C (134°F).
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has cautioned that such extreme weather events resulting from climate change are “unfortunately becoming the new normal.” The organisation warned in May that there is a greater than 50% chance that the world will warm by more than 1.5°C before 2027, exceeding the threshold set by the 2015 Paris Agreement. This serves as a stark reminder that global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change have not made sufficient progress.
Within the Western Balkans, weather alerts have been issued as temperatures are predicted to exceed 40°C. Serbia has placed the entire country on the highest level of alert due to the intense heat. In the capital city of Belgrade, emergency services have already responded to numerous cases of heat-related illnesses. Health authorities are urging people to stay indoors and avoid excessive alcohol consumption when cooling off in outdoor swimming pools.
Neighbouring North Macedonia has implemented emergency measures for the next seven days, excusing vulnerable individuals from traveling to work and urging outdoor workers to finish their shifts by 11.00. Access to national parks has been restricted, with forested areas entirely closed to mitigate the risk of wildfires. Croatia has also faced several fires, leading to the deployment of firefighting aircraft. An orange alert is in effect across much of the country, with a red alert issued for Split on Tuesday.
