Yoan Valat / EPA
A very cold air mass located near Portugal is sending warm air from North Africa to Europe. It is the second heat wave on the continent in less than a month, and it is breaking records.
Rome joined, this Tuesday, the European cities in red alertas well as Paris, faced with a heat wave that intensifies and increases concern about the health of the most vulnerable people.
It’s the second wave of callusto reach millions of Europeans in less than a month and could extend until the weekend. Science has shown that climate change caused by human activity makes extreme weather events more intense.
The consequences are several: heat-caused deaths and due to drowning, increased surveillance in hospitals and homes, trains, classes and outdoor events suspended, a nuclear power plant shut down.
Sebastien Leasmeteorologist at the French institute Météo-France, explained to AFP that a very cold air mass located near Portugal “acts like a heat pump” and sends hot air from North Africa.
Series of records
France lived this Tuesdayit was warmest since 1947the year in which meteorological records began, reported Météo-France, announcing an average temperature of 29.8 °C.
For Météo-France, the current heat wave is comparable to that of August 2003when about 15,000 people died in two weeks. “It should surpass it in terms of maximum intensity. Its duration remains uncertain”, informed the institute.
The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, two of the most visited monuments in the world, decided bring closure to 4pm. The heat took away another much-visited tourist spot, the Monte Saint-Michelin western France, recommending that tourists postpone their visits.
Southern part of the United Kingdom is also on red alert and the historical record of 35,6 °C for a month of June, last recorded in Southampton in 1976, may even be surpassedaccording to the British meteorological service Met Office.
Almost all of Spain is also on alert due to the heat wave, especially areas of Andalusia, the Basque Country and Cantabria. THE Italy This Tuesday declared the maximum heat alert level in 15 cities, including Rome and Milan.
Drownings
The heat wave has already caused deaths in France. Two brothers, aged 2 and 4, were found dead on Monday in a car, and three elderly people died in their homes. Furthermore, almost 40 people drowned since June 18, “mainly young people”, indicated the French Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu.
Rivers, swimming pools, canals, lakes: Europeans look for places with water to cool off. In Brussels, many opted for a fountain in the Cinquantenaire Park.
“What if, in the future, we have to live this type of situation day after day?”, he asked Blanca Holmesa 25 year old young woman.
Authorities recommend vulnerable people, such as children, pregnant womensick and elderly, to redouble their vigilance. For the general population, they advise frequent hydration, light clothing and limiting movement.
The International Federation of the Red Cross warned that, for thousands of people in Europe, extreme temperatures could “quickly turn into a matter of life and death“.
Although Barcelona is not, for now, among the areas with the most extreme temperatures, José Farré76 years old, took advantage of the lower heat in the early hours of the morning to do some shopping and quickly return home, where there is air conditioning.
“I have heart disease, I’m diabetic and I feel this very much“, he lamented, explaining that it is much more difficult to sleep and that, due to his health, even breathing has become more complicated.
For the people experiencing homelessnessstaying in the shade is crucial. “When you’re on the street like this, you suffer a little more. In fact, there aren’t many options,” he explained. Damienwho lives on the streets of Bordeaux, in southwestern France, told AFP .
In the Spanish capital, Madrid City Council is offering a “climate coat” for homeless and vulnerable people, open in the hottest hours, with water, food and hygiene facilities.
