A heatwave has swept across multiple European countries in recent days, with temperatures already reaching or expected to exceed 40°C in some areas. Meteorological agencies have issued warnings urging residents to take precautions against health risks and the heightened danger of wildfires.
In Athens, Greece, the temperature hit 40°C on Friday. At the iconic Acropolis, many tourists were seen using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun. Authorities have banned construction workers and delivery personnel from outdoor activities during certain hours to prevent heatstroke and have advised the public to limit unnecessary travel.
High temperatures have also been reported in France, Italy, and Portugal. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is forecast to reach 42°C in the coming days. In France, the meteorological service has issued an orange alert for four southern regions, predicting temperatures between 35°C and 38°C, with inland areas potentially hitting 39°C.
The heatwave is expected to persist until next Tuesday.
Meteorologists attribute the extreme heat to the "heat dome" effect, where high-pressure systems trap hot air like a lid, causing prolonged high temperatures. Experts warn that as climate change accelerates, such "heat dome" phenomena are likely to become more frequent.
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