Severe heatwave hits southern Europe and raises wildfire risks
Major heatwaves across southern Europe have pushed temperatures above 40C in countries including Italy, Spain and Greece, as local authorities issued fresh warnings over the risk of wildfires.
Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of these heatwaves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common across Europe's southern region.
Severe heat was recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal before the weekend, with locals and tourists alike taking shelter from the sweltering conditions.
Two-thirds of Portugal were on high alert on Sunday over extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures expected to top 42C in Lisbon.
In Italy, a few regions – Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria – were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record high temperatures. Italian trade unions pushed the government to expand such measures at a national level.
On Sunday, the Italian health ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples.
In Rome, tourists tried to seek shade near popular spots like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public water fountains to stay cool.
Similar scenes were reported in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to tourists and residents to offer some refreshment from the heat.
Greece was again on high wildfire alert because of extreme weather, with the first summer heat wave expected to continue throughout the weekend.
A large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the ancient Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds spread the flames, damaging homes and sending smoke across the sky.
Experts warned that intense heat can affect daily life, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.
Local authorities advised against physical activity during the hottest hours of the day, and recommended drinking plenty of fluids.
A Lancet Public Health study published last year highlighted the increasing risk of heat-related deaths because of climate change. The study predicted that heat-related deaths could more than quadruple by mid-century under current climate policies.
While more people die from cold than heat, the study stressed that rising temperatures will offset the benefits of milder winters, leading to a significant net increase in heat-related mortality.
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CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
This hilltop town is one of Europe's smallest — and most unusual — countries
From the endless beaches of Rimini to the culinary corridor of Bologna, Modena and Parma, visitors to northeastern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region have plenty to explore. They might also accidentally stumble into another country entirely. Tucked away in the hilly countryside just a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast is one of the world's smallest nations — the centuries-old republic of San Marino. There are no frontiers or checkpoints marking the border of this tiny state, just a sign along the highway welcoming arrivals to the 'Ancient Land of Freedom.' Those who make the journey may think themselves in just another picturesque Italian hilltop town, but despite its diminutive size and the fact that locals speak and eat Italian, it's an entirely separate country, with a long and determined history of independence. Founded in the fourth century, San Marino is actually the world's oldest republic. It covers an area of just 23.6 square miles (61.2 square kilometers). Although bigger than the European city-states of Monaco and the Vatican City, it is the continent's smallest democratic nation. It has its own heads of state — unusually, two at the same time — its own surprisingly successful national soccer team, its own flag, and a population of 34,000 'Sammarinesi' who proudly cling to their identity and traditions. It's a quirky place, full of contradictions, that attracts curious outsiders but relatively few Italians, most of whom have never seen it and don't know how it came to be. 'What's special about San Marino is its uniqueness,' Antonia Ponti, an official San Marino tourist guide, tells CNN. 'This republic has been independent and free for centuries, and although the local dialect and food are typical of Italy's Romagna (sub-region), never call locals 'Italians' because they'd feel insulted. 'They have their own flag, coat of arms, and passport; they have adopted the euro though they aren't part of the European Union.' Ponti admits that San Marino may be rivaled by other locations in surrounding Italy — 'it surely isn't the most beautiful place in the world…' — tourists are lured by the prospect of seeing what this tiny country within a country is all about. 'San Marino is just like any other walled hilltop Italian town you'd find in Tuscany, Latium, Marche or Umbria, but it has a special history-rich vibe and boasts unique views thanks to its geographical position,' says Ponti. But, in the same way visitors want to explore tiny European principalities like Liechtenstein or Monaco, San Marino seems to attract people enchanted with the idea of a microscopic republic. Once there, they're often delighted by its medieval architecture, Ponti adds. 'Many foreign tourists who visit Emilia-Romagna, mostly to indulge in its iconic recipes, often decide to hop over and visit San Marino. At the end of the tour, they never thought they'd discover such a charming place packed with ancient monuments, artisan boutiques and traditional performances,' she says. The country's main highlights and monuments are concentrated in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site perched on the panoramic rocky Mount Titano, where views stretch to the Adriatic coast and on clear days across to Croatia. It's like walking in an open-air museum. The imposing medieval stone walls enclose the original settlement, a car-free maze of narrow cobblestone alleys. There are three massive towers linked by a path that runs along the ridge of the mountain. Once used as military lookouts to ward against enemy invasions, the towers are open to the public and feature dungeons, a museum of historical weapons and the so-called 'Witches' Path' walkway that offers great views. San Marino was, legend has it, founded in 301CE by a stonemason called Saint Marinus, an early Christian native of the island of Rab in Dalmatia, now in modern-day Croatia. He's said to have fled to Italy and climbed Mount Titano to escape from the Christian persecutions of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Bone relics purportedly of the saint are kept at the basilica, which also contains what is claimed to be the 'rock bed' where he slept, and which is believed to have healing powers. Marinus' masonry profession was continued by subsequent generations of Sammarinesi, according to Ponti. 'Stone cutting from the flanks of Mount Titano has been the main business here for centuries, and families were poor,' she says. 'Then after the Second World War, progress led to the flourishing of different artisan industries such as pottery, tiles, furniture and paper.' As they live on such a small patch of land the sense of community is strongly felt among the Sammarinesi, who stick together and are proud of their centuries-old identity as 'free people,' adds Ponti. Ancient protocols and rituals survive. San Marino's parliament, the Public Palace, is open to visitors and hosts a grandiose hourly changing of the guard ceremony daily during summer. It's a spectacle: the guards wear multicoloured medieval uniforms with red pants and striking pom-pom hats. The country has other ancient and unusual institutions. There are the two heads of state. Known as Captains Regent, these have been elected every six months since 1243. Held each year, on April 1 and October 1, elaborate appointment ceremonies are regulated by a strict protocol that has never changed over the centuries. Despite its size, San Marino's democratic principles reach right down to the grassroots. The country is divided into nine districts known as castelli, each headed by a captain also elected on a regular basis. Ponti explains that all these checks and balances, which may seem paradoxical in a tiny republic, were put into place to ensure that no single leader in the hierarchy could limit the power of the others. Visitors can get a sense of these different geographical jurisdictions by taking a panoramic cableway down from the old town to the castello of Borgo Maggiore, at the foot of Mount Titano. Another attraction, back in the old town, is the Stamp and Coin Museum which displays commemorative medals, historical stamps and the first Sammarinese coins, dating from to the 19th and 20th centuries. As well as its fairy-tale-like ancient center, San Marino is surrounded by nature and mountain trails. It's ideal for trekking, cycling, rock climbing and archery. And, as you'd expect from somewhere surrounded by some of Italy's best food destinations, the culinary traditions of San Marino closely resemble those of the neighboring Romagna and Marche regions. That means all kinds of homemade pasta and piadina stuffed flatbreads. It's also known for its liqueurs, like amaretto and pistacchione made with pistachios. Traditional desserts include Torta Tre Monti, or 'Three Hills Cake' — named after the city-state's three towers — made with layers of thin wafers sandwiching chocolate and hazelnut cream. For day-trippers who overindulge, luckily the trip back to Italy is all downhill.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
This hilltop town is one of Europe's smallest — and most unusual — countries
From the endless beaches of Rimini to the culinary corridor of Bologna, Modena and Parma, visitors to northeastern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region have plenty to explore. They might also accidentally stumble into another country entirely. Tucked away in the hilly countryside just a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast is one of the world's smallest nations — the centuries-old republic of San Marino. There are no frontiers or checkpoints marking the border of this tiny state, just a sign along the highway welcoming arrivals to the 'Ancient Land of Freedom.' Those who make the journey may think themselves in just another picturesque Italian hilltop town, but despite its diminutive size and the fact that locals speak and eat Italian, it's an entirely separate country, with a long and determined history of independence. Founded in the fourth century, San Marino is actually the world's oldest republic. It covers an area of just 23.6 square miles (61.2 square kilometers). Although bigger than the European city-states of Monaco and the Vatican City, it is the continent's smallest democratic nation. It has its own heads of state — unusually, two at the same time — its own surprisingly successful national soccer team, its own flag, and a population of 34,000 'Sammarinesi' who proudly cling to their identity and traditions. It's a quirky place, full of contradictions, that attracts curious outsiders but relatively few Italians, most of whom have never seen it and don't know how it came to be. 'What's special about San Marino is its uniqueness,' Antonia Ponti, an official San Marino tourist guide, tells CNN. 'This republic has been independent and free for centuries, and although the local dialect and food are typical of Italy's Romagna (sub-region), never call locals 'Italians' because they'd feel insulted. 'They have their own flag, coat of arms, and passport; they have adopted the euro though they aren't part of the European Union.' Ponti admits that San Marino may be rivaled by other locations in surrounding Italy — 'it surely isn't the most beautiful place in the world…' — tourists are lured by the prospect of seeing what this tiny country within a country is all about. 'San Marino is just like any other walled hilltop Italian town you'd find in Tuscany, Latium, Marche or Umbria, but it has a special history-rich vibe and boasts unique views thanks to its geographical position,' says Ponti. But, in the same way visitors want to explore tiny European principalities like Liechtenstein or Monaco, San Marino seems to attract people enchanted with the idea of a microscopic republic. Once there, they're often delighted by its medieval architecture, Ponti adds. 'Many foreign tourists who visit Emilia-Romagna, mostly to indulge in its iconic recipes, often decide to hop over and visit San Marino. At the end of the tour, they never thought they'd discover such a charming place packed with ancient monuments, artisan boutiques and traditional performances,' she says. The country's main highlights and monuments are concentrated in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site perched on the panoramic rocky Mount Titano, where views stretch to the Adriatic coast and on clear days across to Croatia. It's like walking in an open-air museum. The imposing medieval stone walls enclose the original settlement, a car-free maze of narrow cobblestone alleys. There are three massive towers linked by a path that runs along the ridge of the mountain. Once used as military lookouts to ward against enemy invasions, the towers are open to the public and feature dungeons, a museum of historical weapons and the so-called 'Witches' Path' walkway that offers great views. San Marino was, legend has it, founded in 301CE by a stonemason called Saint Marinus, an early Christian native of the island of Rab in Dalmatia, now in modern-day Croatia. He's said to have fled to Italy and climbed Mount Titano to escape from the Christian persecutions of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Bone relics purportedly of the saint are kept at the basilica, which also contains what is claimed to be the 'rock bed' where he slept, and which is believed to have healing powers. Marinus' masonry profession was continued by subsequent generations of Sammarinesi, according to Ponti. 'Stone cutting from the flanks of Mount Titano has been the main business here for centuries, and families were poor,' she says. 'Then after the Second World War, progress led to the flourishing of different artisan industries such as pottery, tiles, furniture and paper.' As they live on such a small patch of land the sense of community is strongly felt among the Sammarinesi, who stick together and are proud of their centuries-old identity as 'free people,' adds Ponti. Ancient protocols and rituals survive. San Marino's parliament, the Public Palace, is open to visitors and hosts a grandiose hourly changing of the guard ceremony daily during summer. It's a spectacle: the guards wear multicoloured medieval uniforms with red pants and striking pom-pom hats. The country has other ancient and unusual institutions. There are the two heads of state. Known as Captains Regent, these have been elected every six months since 1243. Held each year, on April 1 and October 1, elaborate appointment ceremonies are regulated by a strict protocol that has never changed over the centuries. Despite its size, San Marino's democratic principles reach right down to the grassroots. The country is divided into nine districts known as castelli, each headed by a captain also elected on a regular basis. Ponti explains that all these checks and balances, which may seem paradoxical in a tiny republic, were put into place to ensure that no single leader in the hierarchy could limit the power of the others. Visitors can get a sense of these different geographical jurisdictions by taking a panoramic cableway down from the old town to the castello of Borgo Maggiore, at the foot of Mount Titano. Another attraction, back in the old town, is the Stamp and Coin Museum which displays commemorative medals, historical stamps and the first Sammarinese coins, dating from to the 19th and 20th centuries. As well as its fairy-tale-like ancient center, San Marino is surrounded by nature and mountain trails. It's ideal for trekking, cycling, rock climbing and archery. And, as you'd expect from somewhere surrounded by some of Italy's best food destinations, the culinary traditions of San Marino closely resemble those of the neighboring Romagna and Marche regions. That means all kinds of homemade pasta and piadina stuffed flatbreads. It's also known for its liqueurs, like amaretto and pistacchione made with pistachios. Traditional desserts include Torta Tre Monti, or 'Three Hills Cake' — named after the city-state's three towers — made with layers of thin wafers sandwiching chocolate and hazelnut cream. For day-trippers who overindulge, luckily the trip back to Italy is all downhill.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Wimbledon organisers prepare for the heat as temperatures soar in SW19
Wimbledon organisers are confident they have the necessary precautions in place to cope with a day one heatwave. It is forecast to be one of the hottest June days ever in parts of the UK, with temperatures expected to well exceed 30C in SW19. Advertisement A heat rule is likely to be in place for the players, meaning an extra 10-minute break between sets two and three in women's singles and three and four in men's singles, but it could also be a difficult day for fans and officials. Chief executive Sally Bolton said: 'Obviously it's a very warm day. The first obvious point to make is that the athletes compete in temperatures like this all year on the tour. For us Brits here at the championships it feels very hot. We do have the heat rule available to us, which is well used on the tour.' Heat stress readings, measuring air temperature, surface temperature and humidity, will be taken at three points during the day, with the heat rule instigated if the reading goes behind 30.1C. Advertisement 'Beyond that we've got protocols in place for the ball boys and ball girls on court,' continued Bolton. 'They've got cooling scarves, we'll be rotating them more if we feel we need to. 'For colleagues working around the grounds we've got plenty of changes in shift patterns to make sure they're getting regular breaks. 'And for the guests that will be joining us we're offering the same advice as lots of the medical professionals – come prepared, bring a hat, wear sunscreen, wear light clothing if you can, take breaks out of the sun. 'We've got over 100 water points around the grounds so definitely stay hydrated, and keep an eye on your friends and others around you. Advertisement 'If people look like they're suffering a little bit from heat stress, we've got a really significantly sized medical team here so we've got people to help if that's needed. 'We're not used to these sort of temperatures but we're absolutely ready for it and actually delighted that it's sunny and not wet like it was last year.' One big change at the tournament this year will be the absence of line judges, with all courts now exclusively using electronic line calling. The decision has not gone down well in the officiating community and with traditionalists, and Bolton insisted it is not a money-saving exercise. Advertisement 'The technology investment we've had to make to deliver ELC is not insignificant,' she said. 'I think it will be a little bit different and I think it will take us all a little bit of time to get used to that but we felt very much that it was time to move on.' Fans attending on the first couple of days at least will have a bumper selection of British players to follow, with 23 in action across the main singles draws, the most since 1984. Numbers in the queue in Monday morning were so high that by 10am organisers were recommending for people intending to join it not to travel. 'I'm sure that the number of Brits in the draw is contributing to that general excitement,' added Bolton.
