Summer heatwave grips southern Europe: Record temperatures soar

Europeans enjoy spending vacations in southern Europe primarily due to the reliable weather. However, the current conditions in their favourite countries are becoming excessive for many. Thermometers in Greece and Cyprus are showing record temperatures, and conditions are not expected to be any better in Italy either.

Even before the vacation season begins in earnest, a heatwave is hitting Greece and Cyprus this week.

On Tuesday, in three locations in Greece, the temperature exceeded 39°C. On Wednesday afternoon in Athens, thermometers showed 34°C. Authorities urge residents and visitors to drink plenty of water and avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day. Interestingly, this is Greece's warmest first week of June in recorded history. The previous record for this period was set in 2019.

Meteorologists are warning of frequent and intense heatwaves in the coming summer months. They remind us that the past winter in Greece was the warmest in recorded history. Authorities are also alerting that the upcoming summer season will be very challenging regarding wildfires.

In Cyprus, due to high temperatures exceeding 40°C in the central part of the country, an order was issued prohibiting certain outdoor work between 12 PM and 5 PM. This includes work by couriers delivering packages by bicycle and motorcycle and those working on construction sites.

The first heatwave of the year is also approaching Italy. In some parts of the country, temperatures may reach 40°C. The so-called African anticyclone will arrive in the centre and north on Friday and Saturday, and between Sunday and Monday, it will hit the south.

According to forecasts, hot air masses from the Sahara will also bring high humidity, especially in the Po Valley region, alpine valleys, and central Italy.