Rome, June 24: Europe is witnessing a record heatwave, putting several countries under pressure as the World Health Organisation has called the situation a “health emergency”.
In Italy, the red alerts will rise to 16 on Wednesday, reports Adnkronos.
Tuesday was officially the hottest day ever recorded in France since measurements began in 1947. At 3 p.m., the national thermal index was 29.6 degrees Celsius, while the previous record, of 29.4 degrees Celsius, had been recorded on July 25, 2019, but also during the historic heatwave of 2003, on August 5. And according to Meteo-France, the temperature situation is set to worsen in the coming hours.
Forty deaths by drowning have been recorded since June 18. And among the victims, who were seeking relief, there are many young people. The Eiffel Tower closed early Tuesday, at 4 p.m., “exceptionally” in light of the “extreme temperatures expected”, the website read. The Louvre museum also closed earlier for the same reason.
Spain is experiencing similar critical conditions. The Aemet agency has issued a red alert for Andalusia, with forecasts of 44 degrees Celsius, and warnings for the regions of Cantabria and the Basque Country, where temperatures will reach 40 degrees Celsius.
In the United Kingdom, the meteorological office has issued a rare red warning for central and southern England, forecasting temperatures up to 40 degrees. Several schools have suspended educational activities. (IANS)
