Heatwaves and fires hit Europe
Source: Alessia Marusova, Unsplash
Greece, Spain and Italy will experience the highest temperatures in July, according to a survey of meteorologists. Meanwhile, Germany, France and the UK are expected to see below-average temperatures for the season. But even there, temperatures are expected to warm up by the end of the month.
One of the reasons for this is the Atlantic Ocean. It has warmed to record temperatures in recent months, contributing to the heat in southeastern Europe. Meteorologists, including Matthew Dross of Maxar Technologies Inc, have noted this.
Climate change is amplifying the effects of extreme weather events around the world, and 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record. The Northern Hemisphere is bracing for another sweltering summer, after heat waves last year threatened the health and well-being of millions of people.
In Greece, for example, wildfires have already broken out in June as temperatures soar above 40°C. From the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos to the capital Athens, there is a high risk of new fires next week.
Meanwhile, northern Italy will be the centre of heavy rainfall in July, along with the northern Balkans and the Baltic states. Cold air masses from northern Europe and warm air from the southeast will collide in these areas. Other parts of Europe, such as the UK and France, will see much less rain in July.
