ROME: Unrelenting heatwaves have swept across several regions of the Northern Hemisphere, prompting health warnings and fueling wildfires, serving as a stark reminder of the impact of global warming. From North America to Europe and Asia, people are enduring sweltering temperatures, inching closer to record highs.
Europe, the continent experiencing the fastest rate of warming, is preparing for potentially record-breaking temperatures in Italy’s Sicily and Sardinia islands. The European Space Agency predicts a scorching high of 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) in the coming days. Tourists and locals alike are feeling the intensity of the heat, with visitors from Texas remarking that the heat in Italy surpasses even that of their home state.
In Rome, temperatures were expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday, causing discomfort for the approximately 15,000 people who gathered the previous day to hear Pope Francis lead prayers. Parasols and fans were used as essential tools to combat the sweltering conditions. Meanwhile, in Japan, heatstroke alerts were issued in over 30 of the country’s prefectures, with at least 60 people being treated for heatstroke.
Heatwaves in United States
The United States, particularly Western and southern states accustomed to high temperatures, is battling a widespread and oppressive heatwave affecting over 80 million people. Death Valley in California, known for extreme temperatures, neared a record-breaking 52 degrees Celsius (125.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday afternoon. In Arizona, Phoenix recorded its 17th consecutive day above 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit), with temperatures hitting 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday.
Heatwaves in Europe
Europe, too, is bracing for historic highs as Italy faces what has been described as one of the most intense heatwaves of all time. The health ministry has issued a red alert for 16 cities, including Rome, Bologna, and Florence. Temperatures in Rome are predicted to reach 42-43 degrees Celsius (107.6-109.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, potentially breaking the previous record set in 2007.
Extreme Weather Conditions in Asia
The extreme weather conditions have not been limited to heatwaves alone. Parts of Asia, such as South Korea and India, have experienced torrential rain, leading to devastating floods and landslides. South Korea’s president has vowed to overhaul the country’s approach to extreme weather after at least 40 people lost their lives. In India, monsoon rains have caused major flooding and claimed the lives of over 90 people.
Climate experts emphasize that while attributing individual weather events to climate change can be challenging, global warming is contributing to the intensification of heatwaves. The record-breaking heatwaves and extreme weather patterns serve as reminders of the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The world experienced its hottest June on record, according to the EU’s climate monitoring service. The ongoing heatwaves and their wide-reaching effects emphasize the critical importance of addressing climate change and implementing measures to safeguard communities from its adverse consequences.
