Athens, Greece experienced record-breaking temperatures last week, with the mercury rising above 40C due to warm air blowing in from North Africa. The scorching heatwave not only affected Greece but also Cyprus and Türkiye, where wildfires raged as temperatures soared. The extreme weather conditions led to the tragic deaths of multiple individuals, prompting the closure of schools and tourist attractions in the region.
In Greece, the ancient Acropolis was closed to tourists, and medics were stationed across Athens to help combat the sweltering heatwave. Meteorologists warned that this heatwave could be a preview of more extreme weather to come during the summer months. Tragically, at least five tourists, including UK TV doctor Michael Mosley, lost their lives to the intense heat in Greece.
Similarly, Cyprus faced a weeklong heatwave that led to the death of two elderly individuals from heatstroke. The country issued its first red alert of the season as temperatures soared above 45C, setting a record for the hottest June day ever recorded. With a lack of rain exacerbating the situation, wildfires broke out, forcing communities to evacuate and firefighters to battle the blaze.
Meanwhile, Türkiye experienced temperatures 8 to 12C higher than the seasonal average, reaching above 40C in many cities. Istanbul issued warnings to vulnerable groups against prolonged sun exposure, and wildfires became a significant concern throughout the country. While forest fires affected seven provinces, temperatures have started to decrease, providing some relief from the intense heat.
The early June heatwave across southeast Europe was attributed to winds carrying heat and dust from North Africa into the region. Climate change has been identified as a significant factor in the increasing frequency of extreme heat events, impacting millions of people across Europe. The high temperatures not only pose health risks but also contribute to a rise in heat-related deaths, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
As temperatures continue to rise, experts warn that the trend of hotter-than-average summers is likely to persist, with the potential for drier conditions in some regions. The implications of these prolonged heatwaves extend beyond discomfort, impacting various sectors and underscoring the importance of addressing climate change to mitigate future risks.