Italy and Balkans endure heatwave, U.S. also faces soaring temperatures

Europe Scorches Under Record-Breaking Heatwave

A record-breaking heatwave has tightened its grip on Italy and the Balkans, causing hundreds of excess deaths, disrupting daily life, and fueling wildfires across the continent. According to reporting from Al Jazeera, the heatwave, which began around June 20, has driven temperatures to unprecedented levels, with Italy seeing red heat warnings in 22 cities from Bolzano in the north to Palermo in the south on June 29. The South China Morning Post reports that temperatures have neared 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting nationwide warnings and transport disruption.

The heatwave has been linked to a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, fueled by a strong high-pressure system known as the "African anticyclone." Meteorologists cited by the South China Morning Post say this system is creating a so-called "heat dome," trapping hot air over western and central Europe and allowing temperatures to build day after day.

In Italy, authorities have placed 22 cities under red heat warnings, according to both Al Jazeera and The Hindu. At the Vatican, pilgrims used fans and umbrellas to shield themselves from the heat as Pope Leo delivered his Angelus message from a balcony on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a holiday in Rome.

Croatia's weather service has issued red alerts for several regions, including the capital Zagreb and the tourist cities of Split and Dubrovnik. On the Adriatic island of Vis, dozens of firefighters, backed by four aircraft, battled a wildfire burning through pine forests about 55 kilometers (35 miles) southwest of Split. In Albania, firefighters managed to contain a wildfire that tore through bushes and olive trees near the southern village of Klos.

The heat has also raised concerns about excess deaths. Al Jazeera reports that France has recorded 1,000 excess deaths linked to the heatwave, while the World Health Organization has reported 1,300 excess deaths across the continent. The Hindu also cites hundreds of excess deaths across Europe, with older people remaining most at risk.

Forecasters say the heat is far from over. According to Al Jazeera, temperatures are expected to persist for a few more days in central and eastern Europe, running 8-10 degrees Celsius above average. Another surge of hot weather is expected from July 5 or 6, affecting France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and parts of Britain, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Italian Air Force meteorologist Daniele Mocio said current temperatures are expected to persist, with little relief expected.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the National Weather Service has warned of "dangerous heat with temperatures in the 90s and lower 100s (degrees Fahrenheit) across much of central and eastern U.S.," in the days before the July 4 celebrations. The NWS added, "The combination of prolonged daytime heating and limited nighttime relief will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations and those without adequate cooling."

The heatwave has also sparked debate about the role of climate change. Scientists cited by Al Jazeera say the heatwave would have been "virtually impossible" without human-caused climate change. Luca Mercalli, president of the Italian Meteorological Society, told Reuters, "With the extreme heat the risk of forest fires increases, but we are also seeing a lot of rainstorms, which obviously mitigates that risk." He noted, however, that storms were localized and the amount of rainfall would vary from place to place.

Key Claims

• The heatwave began around June 20 and has affected Italy and the Balkans, causing hundreds of excess deaths.
• Italy has placed 22 cities under red heat warnings, from Bolzano to Palermo.
• Wildfires have broken out in Croatia and Albania, with firefighters battling blazes on the island of Vis and near the village of Klos.
• France has reported 1,000 excess deaths, and the WHO has reported 1,300 excess deaths across the continent.
• The heatwave is driven by an "African anticyclone" creating a "heat dome" over western and central Europe.
• Forecasts indicate the heat will persist for several more days, with another surge expected from July 5 or 6.
• Scientists attribute the heatwave to human-caused climate change.
• The U.S. National Weather Service has warned of dangerous heat across central and eastern U.S. before July 4.