Severe heatwave hits southern Europe and raises wildfire risks
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.
Spain experienced extreme heat (AP)
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.
Germany also saw high temperatures (dpa via AP)
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.
Vulnerable people have been warned to take extra care in the heat (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
9 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Cattle cull forces change to Tour de France stage route
The discovery of a contagious disease amongst cattle has meant the route will be shortened from 129.9 kilometres to just 95km with two climbs – the 11.3km Cote d'Hery-sur-Ugine and the 13.7km Col des Saisies – removed. An outbreak of nodular dermatitis meant the affected herd has needed to be culled and race organisers have taken the decision to divert the route in light of 'distress' amongst those farmers concerned. 🚨 Changes to Stage 19 – Albertville – La Plagne The discovery of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting cattle in a herd located specifically in the Col des Saisies has necessitated the culling of the animals. In light of the distress experienced by the affected… — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 24, 2025 In a statement ahead of the Albertville-La Plagne stage, the Tour said: 'The discovery of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting cattle in a herd located specifically in the Col des Saisies has necessitated the culling of the animals. 'In light of the distress experienced by the affected farmers and in order to preserve the smooth running of the race, it has been decided, in agreement with the relevant authorities, to modify the route of Stage 19 (Albertville–La Plagne) and to avoid the ascent to the Col des Saisies. 'The ceremonial start will take place as planned at the exit of Albertville. After a 7km parade, riders will head towards the D925, where the official start will be given. 'The race will then rejoin the original route shortly before Beaufort (at km 52.4 on the original schedule). Tadej Pogacar is in the yellow jersey going into stage 19 (Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP) 'Due to this change, which notably bypasses the Col des Saisies, the stage will now cover a total distance of 95km instead of the originally planned 129.9km.' During Thursday's stage 18, Tadej Pogacar conquered his demons on the Col de la Loze to stretch his advantage in yellow amidst a hailstorm, as Ben O'Connor wrapped up the stage win. On the mountain where Pogacar famously cracked in 2023 as Jonas Vingegaard rode away to his second Tour crown, Pogacar was the one gaining time two years later as a late dig at the summit saw him add 11 seconds to an overall lead that now stands at four minutes 26 seconds over Vingegaard.
STV News
5 days ago
- STV News
Tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam killing at least 37
At least 37 people have been killed after a boat carrying tourists capsized during a sudden thunderstorm in Vietnam, the country's media has reported. Five people remain missing and 11 were rescued, according to the VNExpress newspaper. The Wonder Sea boat was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members during the tour of Ha Long Bay, a popular destination for visitors, according to the reports. The boat turned upside down because of strong winds, the newspaper said. A 14-year-old boy was among the survivors, and he was rescued four hours after being trapped in the overturned hull. The newspaper said that most of the passengers were tourists, including about 20 children, from Hanoi, the country's capital. A tropical storm is also moving toward the area. A national weather forecast said that Storm Wipha is expected to hit Vietnam's northern region, including Ha Long Bay's coast next week. File photo of tourist boats in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. / Credit: AP Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Five remain missing after tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam
The Wonder Sea was carrying 48 passengers and five crew members – all of them Vietnamese – on a tour of the popular destination of Ha Long Bay, according to state media reports. Rescue workers saved 11 people and recovered the dead near the site of the capsizing, VNExpress newspaper said. One survivor died in hospital due to their injuries. The boat turned upside down because of strong winds, the newspaper said. A 14-year-old boy was rescued after four hours trapped in the overturned hull. The newspaper said most of the passengers were tourists from Hanoi, including about 20 children. A tropical storm is also moving towards the area. A national weather forecast said Storm Wipha is expected to hit Vietnam's northern region next week, including Ha Long Bay's coast. Survivors were taken on board a rescue boat (QDND/AP) One man who survived the capsizing has described his escape from the overturned vessel. Dang Anh Tuan said as the boat embarked on a three-hour excursion, a storm quickly covered the sky, bringing high winds and pouring rain. He said the passengers asked for the boat to turn back to shore, but the crew reassured them they were almost at their destination and kept the vessel moving forward. The Wonder Sea was righted and towed to a shipyard for investigation (Huy Han/AP) 'It rained for about 15 minutes, and then the boat started to shake vigorously, tables and chairs were jostled around and seconds later the boat overturned,' the 36-year-old said. 'Water gushed in and I lost all orientation. 'I tried to breathe. But more water came in. I took a deep breath, got rid of my life vest and dove down. I saw a streak of light and followed it to swim out, escaping the boat, and then I climbed on the overturned boat to look for help.' Mr Tuan and three others survived by clinging on to the capsized boat and its propellers, waited another two hours until the rain stopped and rescued arrived. He was a holiday with 11 university friends, only three of whom survived. The other nine members of his group included a man who was travelling with his wife and three-year-old son, who were also killed.
