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Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
European wildfire hell - all the holiday heat dome hotspots battling infernos
Wildfires have broken out in several European countries loved by British holidaymakers, with Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Turkey and France all impacted as a powerful heatwaves roasts the Continent Wildfires have broken out across Europe as the Continent battles with ferociously hot temperatures. The mercury could reach a ferocious 47°C in Spain this weekend, while road surfaces are beginning to melt in Italy. Those in France, Portugal, Turkey and Greece are also struggling to deal with stifling, brutally hot days and nights. As well as the heat being a danger to the health of locals and holidaymakers alike, with one tourist already having lost their life to heatstroke in Majorca, the risk of wildfires is sky high in countries across Europe, and have already broken out in several. It's unlikely the heat will relent anytime soon, thanks to the heat dome currently hanging over Europe. The meteorological phenomenon occurs when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one region, acting like a lid on a pot. The impact of human-driven climate change has only made the risk of such heatwaves worse. Greece Greece has borne the brunt of the wildfires in Europe so far this summer, with serious blazes breaking out in several areas. A fierce blaze ripped through the area south of Athens on Thursday, leading to evacuation orders and forcing officials to shut off sections of the vital coastal route from the Greek capital to Sounion — home of the historic Temple of Poseidon and a key draw for visitors. As a dozen aircraft and helicopters swooped in to combat the blaze from above, they supported a ground operation of 130 firefighters and their volunteer counterparts near Palaia Fokaia, on the outskirts of Athens. The coast guard announced that two patrol boats and nine private vessels were on standby in the Palaia Fokaia area, ready for a potential sea evacuation. Fire department spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis revealed that 40 individuals had been evacuated by police, while evacuation orders were issued for five areas in total. The wider Athens area, along with several Aegean islands, is currently on Level 4 of a 5-level scale for wildfire risk due to weather conditions, with the heatwave predicted to persist until the weekend. Earlier this week, it took hundreds of firefighters four days to control a significant wildfire on the eastern Aegean island of Chios. Over a dozen evacuation orders were issued for Chios, where the flames consumed forests and farmland. Wildfires are a common occurrence in Greece during its sweltering, arid summers. In 2018, a colossal fire engulfed the coastal town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping residents in their homes and on escape routes. The disaster claimed over 100 lives, including some who tragically drowned while attempting to swim away from the inferno. Spain So far, wildfires have been limited in Spain, but the threat is rising as the country braces for seriously high temperatures over the coming days. The mercury could reach a ferocious 47°C in Spain this weekend. On Thursday, a forest fire broke out in the Talavera de la Reina region, creating a column of smoke visible from the city. A total of 10 vehicles — two of them aerial — and 38 personnel were called in to put it out. The Canary Islands government has issued a warning for Gran Canaria starting this Saturday due to high temperatures across the entire island. There is a risk of forest fires at altitudes above 400 metres. Temperatures in Gran Canaria are expected to exceed 34°C this weekend and will likely approach 37°C, with strong winds increasing the danger. The Canary Islands government is urging the public to avoid lighting fires — even in barbecues or recreational areas — and to avoid using tools or machinery that could produce sparks, such as chainsaws, brush cutters, or welders. A pre-alert for heat has been issued for the rest of the archipelago, with temperatures expected to be around 30–34°C (86–93°F) on El Hierro, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, as well as on the eastern, southern, and western slopes of Tenerife, and 26–32°C (79–90°F) on the northern coast of Gran Canaria. Portugal Wildfires are serious business in Portugal. Last year, there were 6,267 individual wildfires recorded, with 16 people losing their lives as a result. In total, 137,000 hectares were destroyed — an area four times larger than the previous year. So far this year, 22 people have been arrested for arson, according to Público. The total financial loss last year in Portugal — including materials, biomass for energy, fruits, and stored carbon — reached around 67 million euros and affected 2.36 million cubic metres of wood. While last year was, hopefully, an outlier in terms of wildfire severity, with temperatures nudging 40°C in parts of Portugal this weekend, blazes are likely. Italy The boot-shaped country is also facing the risk of wildfires this weekend, with unrelenting sunshine and highs nudging 40°C in the south. Today, two fires broke out near Rome and in Dragoncello. Flames and smoke rose up, threatening to engulf several properties. Turkey Wildfires broke out in eight provinces in Turkey on a single day this week. Most were in western provinces — areas where many Europeans travel on holiday. All fires were brought under control after coordinated air and ground efforts. According to the General Directorate of Forestry, five of the fires began in rural areas and later spread to nearby forests. 'Fifty percent of wildfires start in agricultural zones. Small acts of negligence can lead to major disasters,' the authority warned, urging the public not to "set our future on fire.' One of the most dangerous blazes broke out in the Osmangazi district of the northwestern province of Bursa. Fueled by strong winds, the flames quickly spread from forested areas to nearby residential zones. France France has yet to be hit by major wildfires this year, but firefighters are on high alert this weekend. The Bouches-du-Rhône is on orange alert, and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Vaucluse are on yellow alert due to the intense heat expected to persist into the weekend. Strong winds may make matters more difficult to control if a blaze does break out. According to La Provence, the 'risk of major fires is high.' Let me know if you'd like this shortened or rewritten for publication (e.g., news website, print, or social media).
ITV News
21 hours ago
- Climate
- ITV News
What does a 'heat dome' have to do with dogs wearing crocs?
Both the US and Europe have been hit by a naturally occurring weather phenomenon known as a heat dome, bringing record breaking temperatures as a result. A heat dome occurs when an area of high pressure forms over a large region. This can then act like a lid, preventing hot air from rising and gradually heating up the ground below it. The trapped hot air can also stop cloud formation, preventing rain and creating a drier environment than usual that exponentially increases the heat radiating from the ground. These occurrences can sometimes last for weeks with meteorologists describing the hot air as "self-perpetuating." Across Europe this has led to sweltering temperatures, with the UK experiencing its second official heatwave of the month. As temperatures climb past 30C this weekend, they're set to peak at 33C this coming Monday just as the Wimbledon tennis championship gets going. Throughout this heatwave the UK Health Security Agency has amber health alerts in place for much of the south and parts of the east. In mainland Europe health alerts are also in place as the effects of the European heat dome create potentially deadly consequences. In Greece a large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, triggering authorities to issue evacuation orders and shut down parts of the coastal road linking the Greek capital to Sounion, the location of the ancient Temple of Poseidon - a major tourist attraction. The fire came as temperatures approached 40C in Greece's first heatwave of the summer. On Friday, 12 water-dropping planes and 12 helicopters were providing air support to 130 firefighters, backed up by volunteer firefighters in the Palaia Fokaia seaside area south of Athens, according to fire department official Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. An orange warning level has been activated in Cordoba, Seville and Jaen, with temperatures in southern Spain expected to reach up to 43C in the following days. Authorities are calling for precautions such as hydration, avoiding exposure to the sun and not exercising during the hottest hours of the day. Parts of France have also been forecast to experience temperatures of 40C and over as the French meteorological organisation, météo France, extends the orange warning level for large parts of the country. Croatia also saw peak temperatures of 44C, with a red weather alert in place for parts of the country and popular destinations largely deserted as people shelter inside. In America dozens of people have been hospitalised after the East Coast was hit by its first heatwave of the Summer - caused by its own separate heat dome phenomenon. Temperatures reached close to 39C in Philadelphia and 37C in New York. In Washington DC a K-Pop concert ended early due to a range of heat-related incidents. In New York and Chicago several hospitals reported difficulty in maintaining power and air conditioning systems, with one utility company urging customers to conserve power to help prevent further outages. In Charlotte, North Carolina, temperatures were so hot during the FIFA Club World Cup, athletes had to watch their teams play from the locker room while on the substitute bench according to Bayern Munich who posted the update on X. Humans weren't the only ones coping with the extreme heat however. At the same Club World Cup, but this time in Philadelphia, drastic measures had to be taken to protect the feet of the four legged staff patrolling the stadium. The sniffer dogs at Lincoln Financial Field were kitted out with protective shoes to shield them from the scorching asphalt. Besides having their feet covered, the dogs are kept hydrated and limited to 20-minute patrols at a time. They also enjoy cooling baths in paddling pools filled with ice. 'Every dog team is different and there are different requirements; their precursors are different," said Cody Schwartz, manager of 3DK9 Detection Services, the private company providing the K9 teams at the stadium. "However, we go by the seven-second rule. If us humans can't put our human backside or our hand on the concrete for longer than seven seconds, without pulling it off, then we require dog booties to go on.' Otters at Oregon zoo keep cool in a bucket of ice. It's not just dogs either. In Oregon zoo the river otters were kept cool with a large bucket of ice. Four legs or two legs, the advice from health officials is to limit time spent in the direct sun where possible. Plan trips for cooler parts of the day and ensure you have enough water with you at all times. Whilst compared to its European neighbours the UK temperatures appear far lower, for those not prepared for the heat temperatures above 30C can pose a real risk especially for those already considered vulnerable like the sick or elderly.
Time of India
a day ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Greece Wildfire: Authorities to issue evacuation orders as temperatures cross 40°C; first heatwave of season recorded
A firefighting airplane sprays water on a hill in Thymari, south of Athen (Image Credit: AP/File) Greece to issue evacuation orders and shut down parts of the coastal road linking the Greek capital to Sounion, location of the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a major tourist attraction after a wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday. The fire came as temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in Greece's first heatwave of the summer. "Right now, strong land and air forces are fighting a huge battle against the flames, mainly among homes," fire department spokesman Col. Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said during a press briefing Thursday afternoon. 12 planes, 12 helicopters, a coast guard ship along with volunteers helped 130 firefighters fight the fire near Palaia Fokaia, south of Athens, AP reported. The fire, which reportedly broke out within a populated area, was fanned by strong winds that frequently changed direction, sending plumes of smoke fanning out across the sky. Television footage showed at least one home burning. Local mayor Dimitris Loukas said on Greece's state-run ERT television that several houses were believed to have been damaged by the blaze, but added that exact information on property destruction was not immediately available. The coast guard said two patrol boats and nine private vessels were on standby in the Palaia Fokaia area in case an evacuation by sea became necessary. Ambulances were also on standby but had not been required by Thursday afternoon, authorities said. "We're telling people to leave their homes," local town councilor Apostolos Papadakis said on Greece's state-run ERT television. Parts of the coastal road connecting Athens to Sounion were closed in both directions, with people urged to take alternate routes to leave the area. The fire department spokesman said that an arson investigation unit had been sent to the area. Whole of Athens and also several Aegean islands, are on a high alert for wildfire broke out because of the weather condition.
The Hill
a day ago
- Climate
- The Hill
Wildfire prompts evacuations near Athens as summer's first heat wave hits Greece
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, triggering authorities to issue evacuation orders and shut down parts of the coastal road linking the Greek capital to Sounion, location of the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a major tourist attraction. The fire came as temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in Greece's first heatwave of the summer. 'Right now, strong land and air forces are fighting a huge battle against the flames, mainly among homes,' fire department spokesman Col. Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said during a press briefing Thursday afternoon. Twelve water-dropping planes and 12 helicopters were providing air support to 130 firefighters, backed up by volunteer firefighters in the Palaia Fokaia seaside area south of Athens, Vathrakogiannis said. A coast guard firefighting vessel doused the flames from the sea. The fire, which reportedly broke out within a populated area, was fanned by strong winds that frequently changed direction, sending plumes of smoke fanning out across the sky. Television footage showed at least one home burning. Local mayor Dimitris Loukas said on Greece's state-run ERT television that several houses were believed to have been damaged by the blaze, but added that exact information on property destruction was not immediately available. The coast guard said two patrol boats and nine private vessels were on standby in the Palaia Fokaia area in case an evacuation by sea became necessary. Ambulances were also on standby but had not been required by Thursday afternoon, authorities said. 'We're telling people to leave their homes,' local town councilor Apostolos Papadakis said on Greece's state-run ERT television. Parts of the coastal road connecting Athens to Sounion were closed in both directions, with people urged to take alternate routes to leave the area. Fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said 40 people had been evacuated by police, while evacuation orders were issued for a total of five areas. The cause of the fire was not immediately known, but the fire department spokesman said that an arson investigation unit had been sent to the area. The entire wider Athens area, as well as several Aegean islands, were on Level 4 of a 5-level scale for the danger of wildfires due to the weather conditions, with the heatwave expected to last until the weekend. Earlier in the week, hundreds of firefighters took four days to bring a major wildfire under control on the eastern Aegean island of Chios. More than a dozen evacuation orders had been issued for Chios, where the flames devoured forest and farmland. The fire department said one woman had been arrested on suspicion of having contributed to that fire's start — reportedly by discarding a cigarette. Wildfires are frequent in Greece during its hot, dry summers. In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee. More than 100 died, including some who drowned trying to swim away from the flames.
India Today
2 days ago
- Climate
- India Today
Wildfire near Athens triggers evacuations and highway closures amid heatwave
A massive fire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, triggering emergency evacuations and roadblocks as blazes ravaged housing around the seaside town of Palaia closed sections of the scenic highway between the Greek capital and Sounion, which features the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a popular tourist FACES FIRST MAJOR HEATWAVE The fire broke out while Greece was experiencing its first heatwave of the summer, with temperatures close to 40C (104F). Firefighters fought the fire on the ground and in the air, struggling against the fierce heat and changing winds that made it difficult to ground and aerial forces are fighting an enormous battle with the fire, especially in residential areas," fire department spokesman Col. Vassilis Vathrakogiannis AND SEA FIREFIGHTING EFFORTS DEPLOYED As reported by the Associated Press, the firefighting effort involved 130 personnel, assisted by 12 helicopters, 12 water-dropping aircraft, and volunteer crews. A coast guard boat also sprayed sea water, with two patrol boats and nine private boats on standby for possible sea evacuations. Ambulances were placed on standby but had not been required by late authorities reported that homes were likely damaged, but assessing the extent of the damage was delayed. "Some houses could have been damaged, but we are awaiting confirmation," local mayor Dimitris Loukas said to state-owned ERT took 40 people out and ordered five areas to be evacuated. Parts of the Athens-Sounion coastal highway were closed in both directions. "We are asking residents to evacuate their homes immediately," said local councilor Apostolos the origin of the fire is yet to be confirmed, authorities have sent an arson investigation unit to the scene. The entire Athens region and some Aegean islands remain at Level 4 wildfire risk due to hot and dry conditions.A major fire on the island of Chios earlier this week took four days to bring under control. Greece has seen its share of catastrophic summer blazes the Mati fire in 2018 killed more than 100 people.- Ends
